Politics & Power

On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “Take It Down Act” into law, marking a significant federal step against the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes and revenge porn. The legislation, championed by First Lady Melania Trump as part of her revitalized Be Best campaign, received overwhelming bipartisan support—passing the House 409-2 after unanimous Senate approval.

Key Provisions of the Law

Criminalization of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery: The law makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images without a person’s consent, encompassing both real and AI-generated content.Mandatory Removal by Online Platforms: Social media companies and websites are required to remove such content within 48 hours of notification by the victim and take steps to prevent its reappearance.Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission: The FTC is empowered to enforce compliance, ensuring that platforms adhere to the new regulations.

Voices Behind the Legislation

Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) co-sponsored the bill, highlighting its bipartisan nature. The act was inspired in part by the story of Elliston Berry, a teenager whose AI-generated explicit images circulated online, leading to a prolonged struggle to have them removed.First Lady Melania Trump emphasized the emotional toll on young victims, stating, “It is heartbreaking to see what teenagers, especially girls, go through after they are victimized by people who spread such content.”

Support and Criticism

While the law has been lauded by victim advocacy groups and industry stakeholders as a landmark protection against online abuse, some digital rights organizations have expressed concerns. Critics argue that the legislation’s broad language could lead to censorship and infringe upon free speech rights.

A Step Forward in Digital Safety

The Take It Down Act represents a significant move by the federal government to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI in the realm of personal privacy and online exploitation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this legislation sets a precedent for how such issues might be tackled in the future.