The Take It Down Act, signed into law on May 19, 2025, aims to combat the spread of unauthorized intimate images, including those created with AI like “deepfakes.” It mandates online platforms to establish procedures for removing such content within 48 hours of a victim’s request. The Act also criminalizes the “knowing” publication of intimate images without consent.
The act focuses on addressing the issue of non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including those created using artificial intelligence, such as “deepfakes”. Online platforms are required to establish procedures within one year of the Act’s effective date (May 19, 2026) for removing intimate visual depictions published without consent upon request from the individual or their representative.
Impact
The act makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images without a person’s consent. Platforms must respond to takedown requests within 48 hours. If they fail to do so, they may face Civil fines enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), Penalties exceeding $50,000 per violation (A “violation” may include each piece of content or each failure to remove it in time.) Loss of legal protections under Section 230 (in some cases), if the platform ignores takedown obligations.
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