Confirm the status
Open the source normally and distinguish a missing page from a login requirement or temporary error. Do not bypass access controls. If the site provides a legitimate archive or redirects to a replacement article, review that context.
Keep a clear record
- Save the original result link.
- Note the date and the page's current response.
- Record any previous observation separately.
- Search for an independently accessible copy if necessary.
A thumbnail left in search can be stale after a publisher removes an image. That may mean the publisher acted already; it does not establish that a fresh removal request should accuse them of ongoing publication.
Use precise language
Describe the distinction between “search preview still visible” and “image still hosted on this page”. Search-engine cleanup and source removal are separate processes. If you need to act, direct the request at the specific remaining issue rather than bundling both together without checking.
Continue with how image search works.
Written by Facehunch with AI assistance and checked against the cited sources. Our editorial policy.