You signed up to get your stolen content removed, and then we asked you to verify your account. We know it can feel like one more hoop to jump through. So let's explain exactly why that step exists, what we do with your information, and why skipping it would actually put you at risk.
The short version: verification protects you. Not us, you.
What could go wrong without verification
Imagine someone who is not you contacts a DMCA service, pretends to be you, and starts filing takedown requests in your name. They could target your own promo content, your collaborators, or your official pages. Or imagine an "agency" claiming to represent you when you never signed anything.
These are not hypotheticals. Impersonation, fraudulent takedown requests, and unauthorized agency claims happen in this industry every day. Verification is how we make sure the person asking us to enforce your copyright is actually you, or someone you genuinely authorized.
There is a legal side too. To send takedown notices on your behalf, we need to establish proper authority. A copyright notice filed without real authority can be challenged, and that helps no one. Verification is what makes our enforcement work stick.
What verification protects you from
- Impersonation, so nobody can act as you inside Rulta
- Fraudulent takedown requests filed in your name
- Unauthorized agencies claiming to manage your account
- Account abuse if someone gets hold of your login details
How to verify: 4 methods, you pick one
We built four options so you can choose whatever feels most comfortable for your privacy. You only need one.
- Add a verification code to your bio (fastest). We give you a short code, you paste it into your bio on your platform, we check it, done. You can remove it right after. No documents, no photos.
- Follow us and send a DM. Message us from your official Instagram account. Since only you control that account, the DM itself proves it's you.
- Send a selfie mentioning Rulta. Your face and hands need to be visible. This confirms a real person, not a screenshot or a stolen photo.
- Upload your government ID on our website. Available if you prefer it, but it is not required for the other three methods.
Notice something? Three of the four methods involve zero documents. That's intentional.
Why we don't force ID checks on everyone
Some services require government ID from every user. We think that's more data than most situations call for. Under the GDPR's data minimization principle (Article 5), companies should only collect what is actually necessary for the purpose. We take that seriously, which is why the bio code method exists and why ID upload stays optional for standard verification.
There are specific cases where we may ask for more, for example when we need to establish copyright ownership, licensing rights, or agency authority, or where age verification is legally necessary. In those cases we will tell you what we need and why. Outside of those cases, we don't ask.
What happens to your information
If you do share information with us, here is the deal:
- What it's used for. Verifying identity and account control, preventing fraud and impersonation, protecting creators and rights holders, and supporting compliance and dispute resolution. Nothing beyond what our Privacy Policy discloses.
- How it's protected. Strict technical and organizational security measures, including encryption and access controls. Only personnel with a legitimate business need can access verification information.
- How long it's kept. Only as long as reasonably necessary for our regulatory and security obligations, then it goes.
What if I skip verification?
You can browse your dashboard, but some of our key services, including copyright enforcement, stay locked until verification is complete. We cannot legally send takedown notices for an account we haven't confirmed. It is genuinely a five minute task, and the bio code method is usually done in under two.
FAQ
Why am I being asked to verify at all? Verification confirms we are working with the correct creator, establishes the authority we need to enforce your copyright, and blocks unauthorized parties from filing takedown requests in your name.
Do I have to upload my ID? No. ID upload is one of four options. The bio code, social media DM, and selfie methods require no documents. We only request IDs in specific situations where they are reasonably necessary, such as proving copyright ownership or agency authority.
Is my verification information shared with anyone? It is accessed only by Rulta personnel with a legitimate business need. It may be used in compliance and legal processes where required, as described in our Privacy Policy. We do not sell it or share it for marketing.
Which verification method is fastest? The bio code. Paste the code we give you into your platform bio, we confirm it, and you can delete it immediately after.
Verify once, protected always
Five minutes of verification is what makes every takedown we file for you legally solid. If you have questions about any method, our team will walk you through it.
Book a free call with us and we'll help you pick the method that fits your comfort level.
