The TAKE IT DOWN Act (Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act) is a historic bipartisan bill that Congress must pass to combat non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including deepfake pornography and “revenge porn.” This legislation, unanimously passed by the Senate and nearing House approval, tackles a crisis that shatters lives, especially for women and girls.
NCII, amplified by AI, spreads rapidly online, inflicting deep emotional and physical harm. Victims like Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old targeted by deepfake abuse, underscore the need for federal action. State laws vary widely, leaving gaps that the TAKE IT DOWN Act closes by criminalizing the knowing distribution of NCII, including AI-generated content, and requiring platforms to remove such material within 48 hours of a victim’s request. The Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement ensures platforms act swiftly, prioritizing victim safety.
Backed by bipartisan leaders, First Lady Melania Trump, and advocates like Paris Hilton, this bill offers survivors a lifeline to reclaim their dignity. Its passage will signal that exploiting intimate images is intolerable. Congress has a rare chance to unite for a cause that protects our communities in the digital era.
