Delisting vs. Removals: What's the Difference?
When protecting your content, you'll see two types of actions in your dashboard: delistings and removals. Understanding the difference helps you know exactly how your content is being protected.
Quick Comparison
| Delisting | Removal |
|---|---|---|
What happens | Content hidden from search results | Content deleted from the source website |
Where | Google, Bing, other search engines | The actual website hosting the leak |
Speed | Usually 24-48 hours | Varies by site (hours to weeks) |
Result | Content exists but can't be found via search | Content no longer exists |
What is Delisting?
Delisting removes links to leaked content from search engine results. When we delist a URL from Google:
- The page won't appear in Google search results
- People searching for your content won't find that specific link
- The content still exists on the original website (until removed)
Why it matters: Most people discover leaked content through search engines. Delisting cuts off the main discovery path, dramatically reducing views even before the source content is removed.
What is Removal?
Removal means the actual content is taken down from the website hosting it. When we remove content:
- The file or page is deleted from the source site
- The URL returns a 404 error or is completely gone
- The content no longer exists anywhere on that site
Why it matters: This is the permanent solution—the leaked content is actually gone, not just hidden.
Why We Do Both
Fanlock pursues both delisting and removal simultaneously because:
- Delisting is faster — Google typically processes requests within 24-48 hours, immediately reducing discoverability
- Removal is permanent — But some sites take longer to respond or require escalation
- Double protection — Even if a site is slow to remove, the content is already hidden from search
What You'll See in Your Dashboard
Your dashboard shows both types of actions:
- Delisted — We've submitted a request to remove the URL from search results
- Removed — The source website has taken down the content
- Pending — Request submitted, awaiting action. We also pursue additional channels in this action type (hosting provider, CDN, payment processor)
Common Questions
If content is delisted, do I still need removal? Yes. Delisting hides content from search, but people with direct links can still access it. We always pursue full removal.
Why is my content delisted but not removed yet? Google processes delisting requests quickly (24-48 hours), but source websites vary. Some comply within hours; others require escalation to hosting providers or payment processors.
Can delisted content come back in search results? If the source content isn't removed and the site resubmits to search engines, it could reappear. That's why we pursue both delisting and removal.
What if a site refuses to remove content? We escalate. For non-compliant sites, we contact their hosting provider, CDN, domain registrar, and payment processors. We pursue every available avenue.
*Questions about your takedowns? Contact support@fanlock.com
Updated on: 03/02/2026
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