By Tom Connolly
Understanding the TAKE IT DOWN Act
On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the TAKE IT DOWN Act (Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act). This bipartisan legislation aims to combat the proliferation of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated deepfakes, by mandating swift removal of such content from online platforms.
Under the Act, online platforms are required to remove reported NCII within 48 hours of notification. Failure to comply can result in penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these provisions.
Public Reactions: A Spectrum of Perspectives
The TAKE IT DOWN Act has elicited a wide range of responses from various stakeholders.
Supportive Voices
- Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): “My legislation, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, was the product of countless hours of work from advocates, survivors, lawmakers, and others.”
- First Lady Melania Trump: “Today’s bipartisan passage of the Take It Down Act is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children.”
- Imperial County Resident, Arlenne Renteria: “As soon as they detect it, take it down…48 hours, things go viral in seconds, so I don’t think it’s enough time maybe within an hour will be better.”
