The "Take it Down" Act

In April 2025, Congress passed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” a new federal law aimed at stopping the spread of non-consensual explicit imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes. The law is designed to protect individuals, especially minors and women, from being victimized online by images or videos that were created or altered without their consent. As deepfake technology becomes more realistic and accessible, this legislation marks one of the most aggressive federal efforts yet to regulate digital abuse.

Under the new law, distributing sexually explicit deepfake content without consent is now a federal crime. In addition, online platforms are required to remove reported non-consensual content within 48 hours of being notified. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be responsible for enforcing the law and can penalize companies that fail to comply.

This law is a significant step forward for victims. In the past, individuals who discovered fake or manipulated content about themselves online often struggled to get it taken down or had no legal recourse. Now, they have both protections and a straightforward process to follow. The law also helps establish that AI-generated abuse is just as severe as traditional forms of digital exploitation.

But not everyone agrees with the approach. Some civil liberties groups have raised concerns about free speech and privacy. Others worry that the broad definitions in the law could be misused or lead to over-censorship. Tech companies, however, including Meta and Snap, have largely supported the bill, calling it an important tool in combating digital harm.

Experts are watching closely to see how the law is enforced. Supporters believe it will help create a safer internet and hold bad actors accountable. Critics warn that enforcement may be inconsistent or chill legitimate online expression if not implemented carefully.

Overall, the Take It Down Act reflects growing recognition of the real-world harm that can come from unchecked AI technology. As platforms and users adapt to this new legal landscape, the law will serve as a test case for how the U.S. handles digital abuse in the age of artificial intelligence.