The newly enacted Take It Down Act is a groundbreaking federal law designed to combat the spread of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes and so-called “revenge porn.” Signed into law in May 2025, this legislation makes it a federal crime to share sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent, and it requires online platforms to act quickly to protect victims.
What the Take It Down Act Does
- Criminalizes Nonconsensual Intimate Imagery: The Act makes it illegal to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images without the subject’s consent. This covers both real photos and videos, as well as AI-generated deepfakes that realistically depict identifiable people.
- Requires Fast Removal by Platforms: Social media companies and online platforms must set up a system for victims to request the removal of nonconsensual intimate images. Once notified, platforms are required to take down the content within 48 hours, including any reposts or duplicates.
- Protects Victims and Responsible Actors: The law provides legal protections for victims and for those who may need to disclose such images for legitimate reasons, like medical professionals or law enforcement.
- Federal Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for making sure tech companies comply with these new requirements.
Why the Take It Down Act Is Significant
- Addresses a Growing Digital Threat: With advances in AI, deepfake pornography and manipulated intimate images have become a major threat to privacy and dignity, especially for women and teenagers. This Act is one of the first federal laws to address the dangers of AI-generated explicit content.
- Bipartisan Support: The law passed with strong bipartisan backing, showing a unified commitment to fighting digital exploitation. It was championed by lawmakers from both parties and supported by advocates who highlighted its importance for protecting young people online.
- Fills Legal Gaps: While some states already had laws against revenge porn and deepfakes, there wasn’t a consistent federal standard. The Take It Down Act creates clear, nationwide rules and makes it easier for victims to seek justice.
- Empowers Victims: Before this law, victims often struggled to get explicit images removed and to hold offenders accountable. The Act streamlines the takedown process and criminalizes offenders, reducing ongoing harm and trauma.
How It Works
The law’s criminal provisions took effect immediately. Online platforms have one year to set up the required takedown systems. Victims can notify platforms to remove images shared without their consent, and platforms must comply within 48 hours. The Act clearly defines what counts as sexually explicit content, including uncovered genitals, sexual acts, and realistic digital forgeries, while excluding non-sexual or obviously satirical content.
Conclusion
The Take It Down Act is a major step forward in protecting privacy and dignity in the digital age. By criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images—including AI-generated deepfakes—and requiring fast removal by online platforms, the law empowers victims, holds perpetrators accountable, and addresses the challenges of new technology. This legislation demonstrates how the law can evolve to keep pace with digital innovation and protect individuals from online abuse.