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Delisting vs Removing at Source

Learn the difference between delisting (Google removal) and removing at source. Understand how LeakRemover handles both actions simultaneously to protect your content across search engines and websites.

Lu avatar
Written by Lu
Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

When LeakRemover processes a takedown, two actions happen at the same time:

  1. Removing at source — deleting the content from the website where it’s hosted.

  2. Delisting — removing the same link from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yandex.

These two layers work together to make sure your leaked content becomes unreachable and invisible across the web.


1. Removing at Source

This is the direct DMCA removal. LeakRemover sends a legal takedown notice to the hosting provider or website admin asking for full removal of the infringing content.

Once the website confirms or deletes the file, the link’s DMCA Status changes to Removed in your dashboard.

Removing at source ensures the file no longer exists on the original site — it’s the most complete form of protection.

Example:
If a leaked video is hosted on a clone site, “Removing at source” means the video page is deleted and no longer loads.


2. Delisting (Search Engine Removal)

At the same time, LeakRemover sends a DMCA request to Google, Bing, and Yandex asking to de-index the same URLs.
This process removes those links from search results, even if the site hasn’t yet deleted them.

When Google or Bing confirms the removal, the Google Status in your dashboard changes to Removed.
This means the content can no longer be found by anyone searching your name, username, or related keywords.

Example:
If a page still exists on the site but is delisted, nobody can find it via Google Search — it’s effectively hidden from the public.


3. Why Both Actions Matter

  • Removing at source = Deletes the content itself.

  • Delisting = Hides any remaining trace from search engines.

Together, they ensure complete protection.
Even if a stubborn site ignores the DMCA request, delisting makes the link disappear from public visibility, keeping your reputation safe.


4. Typical Scenarios

Situation

DMCA Status

Google/Bing/Yandex Status

Outcome

Website cooperates quickly

✅ Removed

✅ Removed

Fully removed

Site ignores request

❌ Unresponsive

✅ Removed

Hidden from search results

Site refuses (offshore host)

❌ Rejected

✅ Removed

Still invisible on Google

Already offline

✅ Removed

✅ Removed

Fully cleared

LeakRemover handles these workflows automatically so you don’t need to send duplicate requests.


5. Continuous Monitoring

After a link is removed or delisted, the system continues to rescan periodically.
If the same content reappears — either on the same domain or a new clone site — LeakRemover automatically issues new DMCA and delisting requests.

This cycle ensures ongoing protection without any manual action from you.


FAQ

Q: What’s the main difference between delisting and removing at source?
Removing at source deletes the file from the site; delisting hides it from search results like Google, Bing, and Yandex.

Q: Can a link still exist after it’s delisted?
Yes — but it’s invisible to the public. Only someone with the exact URL could access it.

Q: Does LeakRemover automatically send both requests?
Yes. The system triggers both actions in parallel for each detected link.

Q: Are Bing and Yandex removals included?
Yes. LeakRemover sends DMCA requests to Google, Bing, and Yandex simultaneously for broader coverage.

Q: Can delisted links reappear?
If a site changes its URL or republishes the content, LeakRemover’s AI rescans and reissues new takedown and delisting requests automatically.

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