Congress Passes Take It Down Act, Awaits Trump

Congress has passed the bipartisan Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes and revenge porn, and it is now awaiting President Donald Trump's expected signature. First Lady Melania Trump championed the legislation, which received unanimous Senate approval and overwhelming House support by a 409–2 vote. The Act requires online platforms to remove reported explicit content within 48 hours of a valid request, aiming to combat the growing threat of AI-generated abuse and protect victims, particularly young women and teens. The bill's passage follows high-profile incidents involving celebrities and ordinary citizens that spurred demands for stronger federal protections. Lawmakers from both parties, including Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, emphasized closing legal loopholes and providing swift recourse for victims. While some digital rights advocates and opponents raise concerns about potential unintended consequences and misuse, the bill's broad bipartisan support reflects a unified effort to enhance privacy and dignity online.