On April 28, 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” a landmark bill targeting the proliferation of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated deepfake pornography. The legislation mandates that online platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification, with violators facing criminal penalties. The Act now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature, which he has pledged to provide.
First Lady Melania Trump played a pivotal role in advocating for the bill, aligning it with her “Be Best” initiative focused on children’s well-being and online safety. Her support helped galvanize bipartisan backing, leading to a 409-2 vote in the House.
The Act’s passage was influenced by testimonies from victims like 14-year-old Elliston Berry, who was targeted by AI-generated explicit images shared on social media. Such cases highlighted the urgent need for legal mechanisms to address the misuse of deepfake technology.
While the Act has been lauded for protecting individuals from online exploitation, some civil liberties groups express concerns about potential overreach and implications for free speech. Nevertheless, major tech companies, including Meta and Snap, have supported the legislation, viewing it as a balanced approach to a pressing issue.
The “Take It Down Act” represents a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies and underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights in the digital age.
