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President Donald Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act (Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks) into law on May 19th. This legislation criminalizes the nonconsensual creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfake pornography, impacting both adults and minors. The bill, championed by First Lady Melania Trump, represents a significant step in combating the harmful use of this technology.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes a federal crime for publishing, or threatening to publish, nonconsensual intimate images—including deepfakes—with the intent to cause harm or harassment. Penalties range from substantial fines to imprisonment. Crucially, the law mandates that online platforms, services, and apps remove illegal deepfake content within 48 hours of notification and implement clear takedown procedures.
Melania Trump’s advocacy played a key role in the bill’s passage. She highlighted the dangers of AI and social media’s potential for misuse, emphasizing the impact on children’s cognitive development and emotional well-being. She framed the law as a crucial national victory in protecting individuals from this form of online abuse.
The bill, initially introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar in June 2024, passed both houses of Congress in April 2025. Its enactment follows a growing global concern about the misuse of deepfakes, particularly in the creation and dissemination of non-consensual pornography. High-profile incidents, such as the spread of deepfake images of Taylor Swift on X in January 2024, underscored the urgent need for legislative action.
The UK, among other nations, has already implemented similar legal frameworks to address deepfake pornography. A 2023 report from Security Hero highlighted the prevalence of deepfake pornography online, noting that 99% of victims are women. The TAKE IT DOWN Act solidifies the US’s commitment to combating this form of online abuse and protecting individuals from the devastating consequences of non-consensual deepfake content.
