Getting a copyright strike removed from your Facebook account can be a frustrating and confusing process. Copyright strikes restrict your ability to post content and can even lead to your account being disabled if multiple strikes accumulate. The good news is that in many cases, copyright strikes can be appealed and removed. Here are some tips on how to get a copyright strike removed from your Facebook account:
Understand Why You Got the Copyright Strike
Before appealing a Facebook copyright strike, it’s important to understand why it was issued in the first place. Copyright strikes are given when Facebook receives a valid copyright infringement notice from a rights holder or authorized representative. This means someone submitted proof that you posted content on Facebook that infringed on their copyrights.
The most common reasons for Facebook copyright strikes include:
- Posting an image, video or other content you didn’t create without permission from the rights holder
- Sharing content that has been previously flagged or removed for copyright reasons
- Posting content with copyrighted music or audio without necessary licensing
- Using a significant portion of copyrighted material without transformation or adaptation under fair use allowances
Review the details of the copyright notice and strike reason carefully so you can address the specific infringement issue in your appeal.
Remove the Infringing Content
The first step to take when trying to get a Facebook copyright strike removed is to delete the content that was flagged for infringement. Removing the post, image, video or other material specified in the strike notification is necessary to show you have complied with the request to stop infringing activity.
To remove infringing content:
- Go to your Facebook account and locate the post, image or video that received the copyright complaint.
- Delete the entire post or just the specific infringing content within the post.
- Double check that the flagged material no longer appears on your Facebook account.
Taking down the infringing content prevents further copyright violation but does not automatically remove the strike itself. You still need to submit an appeal request.
Submit a Copyright Strike Appeal
Once you’ve removed the infringing content from your Facebook account, the next step is to file an official appeal requesting that the copyright strike be removed. Here is how to submit an appeal through Facebook’s reporting system:
- Click on the notification you received alerting you of the copyright strike.
- Select “Submit Dispute” to open the appeals form.
- Explain why you believe the strike was issued in error or should be removed. Provide relevant details and context.
- Confirm you have deleted the flagged content from your Facebook account.
- Check the box to indicate you have read and understand Facebook’s Community Standards.
- Click the “Submit Dispute” button to send your appeal to Facebook for review.
It may also be possible to submit a copyright strike appeal through Facebook’s Help Center. Just be sure to provide your specific account details and a clear explanation of why the strike should be removed in your request.
Wait for a Response
Once you submit your copyright strike appeal, the next step is to wait for Facebook to review and respond to your request. The amount of time this takes can vary. Some things that may impact the response time include:
- The volume of appeals Facebook is processing
- The complexity and specifics of your individual case
- How quickly you removed the infringing content after receiving the strike
- Whether you have multiple copyright strikes on your account
Facebook states it can take up to 14 days for an initial response on copyright appeals. More complex cases may take longer. Be patient as Facebook investigates your dispute request.
Provide Additional Information if Requested
When Facebook reviews your copyright strike appeal, they may request clarification or additional details from you. This is done to verify information and make sure the strike can be properly evaluated based on copyright dispute policies.
If Facebook asks you to provide additional information, be sure to respond promptly and thoroughly supply what is requested. This may include:
- Answering specific follow-up questions about your appeal
- Sharing proof of licensing or rights ownership for the flagged content
- Documentation supporting your use under fair use allowances
- Signed statements attesting to the validity of your dispute claim
Cooperating fully when Facebook requests more details can help move the appeals process forward towards a positive outcome.
Accept the Final Determination
Ultimately, Facebook has the final say on whether your copyright strike appeal is accepted or rejected. There are a few potential outcomes when you receive the final decision on your dispute claim:
- Appeal Approved – This is the best outcome. It means your strike has been removed and any restrictions placed on your account due to the strike will be reversed.
- Appeal Denied – Unfortunately your appeal was rejected and the copyright strike remains on your account. You will need to be careful to avoid further strikes.
- Partial Approval – In some cases Facebook may remove the strike but uphold the removal of the infringing content itself. Any restrictions from a single strike may be lifted.
If your appeal is definitively denied, you will need to accept Facebook’s final decision. Continuing to re-post infringing material could lead to your account being disabled.
Conclusion
Getting a copyright strike removed from Facebook involves understanding the reasons for the strike, deleting infringing content, submitting a thorough appeal, providing additional details if requested, and accepting Facebook’s final ruling. The process can be complex and frustrating, but following proper procedures is the best way to get your account back to full working order. With the right approach, you can successfully resolve many Facebook copyright issues.