Question 1

Can I just use DMCA.com to remove NCII?

Accepted Answer

You can try, but it is a self-service sending tool, not a takedown service. It does not escalate to hosting providers, does not file as an authorized agent to shield your identity, and does not handle Google de-indexing robustly. For NCII specifically the tool is undersized for the problem.

Question 2

Why does the agent filing matter?

Accepted Answer

Under US DMCA, the notice must include the filer's name and contact info. When you file yourself, that name is you. Google publishes the notice metadata (including your name) to the Lumen Database, which is then indexed by search engines. Services that file as your authorized agent put their own business name on the notice instead of yours.

Question 3

Is DMCA.com a scam?

Accepted Answer

No, it is a legitimate service for what it does, which is automate DMCA notice generation for copyright holders. The issue is fit, not legitimacy. It was not built for NCII cases.