As an active member of this community, I frequently come across original models created by our designers that have been stolen and re-uploaded to external platforms without permission.
Whenever I find an infringement, my first instinct is to not only report it to the external site but also to notify the original creator here so they can file a formal takedown request.
This is where I hit a technical roadblock: The current private messaging (DM) system prevents users from including links in their first message to another user (likely as an anti-spam measure).
Consequently, to warn a creator, I have to:
Send a generic “introductory” message.
Wait for them to reply (which can take days).
Only then can I share the link to the infringing content.
This delay often means the “thief” continues to gain downloads and visibility in the meantime, and many users simply give up on reporting because the process is too cumbersome.
Proposed Solution
I suggest implementing an official channel for “Community Reporting” of external copyright issues. There are two potential approaches:
Option 1: A Dedicated “Report External Copy” Button. Add a button on the model page or creator’s profile specifically for reporting external theft. This would open a simple form where the whistleblower can paste the external URL. The system would then automatically notify the creator with the link included.
Option 2: “Whitelisted” Links for First-Contact DMs. Allow links in the first DM only if a specific “Copyright Infringement” category is selected. These messages could be subject to automated filters to ensure they aren’t being used for spam.
I’d love to hear the community’s and the dev team’s thoughts on the feasibility of such a feature.
I like the idea. The only time I have ever had a model show up on other sites I found out because of someone from the community pointing it out to me. Now it’s a constant game of whack a mole. I am still super appreciative that I was informed. Anything to help designers protect their property is a good thing IMO.
The problem is that scammers have already pretended to be support staff. That’s why the no-links rule was introduced. The scammers would then choose that category specifically, giving them an even more official appearance - exactly what is not desired. Unfortunately, the automatic filters can be bypassed, just like the no-links rule, so a description is written instead of a direct link.
Allowing links again on first contact would be a step backward. Many bad memories of the last wave of scammers.
My personal opinion: Even without sending a link, you can still let the creator know what it’s about in your first message. I don’t see this as a downside; rather, it gives the creator a chance to understand what it’s all about. Unfortunately, too many scammers continue to take advantage of this by sending fake links.
Clicking on unknown links is a minefield. Often, a description is all it takes: What site? What name? Maybe a photo. This protects users who are very easily fooled by scams, and unfortunately, there have already been quite a few cases of this. Not every user is an adult, not every user has internet experience, and not every user is well-informed.
Allowing people who are not the rights holder to report an item as infringing is extremely unusual in the industry, so having a communication mechanism to creators to send them links they can effectively report would be a positive improvement.
I am not sure it is even legal for the a non-rights holder to report infringement. it is certainly illegal to file a DMCA unless you are the rights holder or their authorized agent. (At least under US law)
Alternatively, you can report that you are the copyright holder and therefore own the IP, but that you are also personally responsible for any legal disputes. The platform operator can still provide support, of course.
