On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a groundbreaking bill into law titled the “Take It Down Act”, aimed at curbing the spread of nonconsensual explicit content online. The legislation, hailed as a significant victory for digital privacy and victim advocacy, mandates that online platforms remove sexually explicit images and videos—whether real or AI-generated—within 48 hours of a victim’s request.
The bill addresses one of the most pressing concerns in the digital age: revenge porn and the rise of AI deepfake content, both of which have wreaked havoc on victims’ lives, often without adequate recourse.
What the Law Entails
The Take It Down Act sets forth a clear, enforceable protocol for how platforms must respond to reports of nonconsensual explicit content. Upon receiving a valid removal request from a victim, platforms will have two business days to comply or face substantial penalties from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
This includes content that:
- Was shared without consent
- Depicts real or AI-generated nudity or sexual activity
- Harms the reputation, privacy, or emotional well-being of the person depicted
The law empowers victims to file requests directly through dedicated reporting systems, and failure by platforms to comply could result in fines and legal action.
Bipartisan Support and First Lady’s Involvement
The legislation received broad bipartisan support in Congress, passing the House with a staggering 409–2 vote, and receiving unanimous approval in the Senate.
First Lady Melania Trump played a key role in pushing the bill forward, linking it to her ongoing “Be Best” initiative, which focuses on children’s well-being and cyber safety. In a ceremonial moment, she even co-signed the bill alongside the President, symbolizing her commitment to the cause of online safety.
According to AP News, Melania described the bill as “a necessary step in protecting victims from the trauma of online exploitation, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.”
The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
The emergence of AI-generated deepfakes has raised serious ethical and legal concerns. Deepfakes can digitally fabricate sexually explicit content using someone’s likeness, often indistinguishable from real footage. This has enabled malicious actors to target individuals—especially women—on a scale previously unimaginable.
A report from The Verge notes that over 90% of online deepfake content is pornographic, and nearly all of it targets women. Without swift and enforceable laws, victims previously had limited avenues for justice.
Online Platforms Now Have a Responsibility
Under the new law, tech platforms—whether social media giants, adult websites, or smaller forums—must:
- Create simple, accessible portals for takedown requests
- Review and remove content promptly (within 48 hours)
- Maintain transparency and accountability in how they respond
This shifts a significant burden onto companies that have long evaded responsibility for what is shared on their platforms.
“The internet has made exploitation too easy and accountability too rare,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, a co-sponsor of the bill. “This law restores some measure of control to victims.”
A Milestone for Victims’ Rights
The Take It Down Act is being praised by advocacy groups as one of the most comprehensive laws ever passed to protect victims of online abuse.
“This is a game-changer,” said Danielle Citron, a law professor and digital privacy advocate. “It establishes a clear, enforceable right to have damaging content removed, and it puts real consequences on companies that fail to act.”
Organizations like Cyber Civil Rights Initiative have long lobbied for such legislation, citing the devastating emotional and psychological toll that online abuse causes victims—especially when they feel powerless to remove harmful content.
Final Thoughts
President Trump’s signing of the Take It Down Act marks a watershed moment in the battle against digital exploitation. By addressing both traditional revenge porn and AI-generated deepfakes, this law sends a strong message: online abuse will no longer go unchecked.
The bill’s success lies not just in its strict enforcement provisions, but also in its symbolism. It acknowledges the very real pain suffered by victims of online exploitation and gives them the tools to reclaim their dignity.
As technology continues to evolve, so too must the laws that govern its use. The Take It Down Act represents a crucial step in ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of individual rights and safety.
