WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed the “Take It Down Act” into law on Monday, making the distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including deepfakes, a federal crime.
The law applies to both real and artificially generated content and mandates that online platforms remove unauthorized explicit material. The legislation received bipartisan support in Congress and takes effect immediately.
During a signing ceremony at the White House Rose Garden, Trump emphasized the law’s intent to address digital harassment, particularly against women.
He cited the growing threat posed by AI-generated images and stressed the importance of protecting individuals’ privacy online.
The act establishes criminal penalties for distributing intimate images without consent and requires technology companies to implement removal procedures. It also provides victims with legal pathways to seek recourse.
The law comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media platforms and their responsibility to manage harmful content. Lawmakers view the legislation as a response to emerging challenges in digital privacy and abuse.
White House officials said the law is part of broader efforts to update legal standards for online conduct. The administration expects the new measure to influence state and local laws on similar issues.
The “Take It Down Act” reinforces federal efforts to deter the spread of non-consensual images and strengthen protections for victims of digital exploitation.
