New revenge porn law signed by Trump is being praised as it’s expected to have a significant impact
A Historic Step Forward
On Monday, May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Take It Down Act into law. The ceremony took place in the White House Rose Garden.
First Lady Melania Trump stood by his side. The legislation targets nonconsensual explicit images, both real and AI-generated.
It’s being hailed as a major victory for victims of digital exploitation. The act addresses a growing problem fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence.
Understanding the Take It Down Act
The Take It Down Act, officially known as S.146, criminalizes the nonconsensual sharing of intimate visual depictions.
This includes authentic photos and videos, often called revenge porn. It also covers computer-generated images, known as deepfakes.
Congress describes the bill as a tool to prohibit “the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated.”
Platforms must remove such content within 48 hours of victim notification.
The law builds on existing protections. Previously, federal law focused on AI-generated explicit images of children.
Adult victims relied on inconsistent state laws. The Take It Down Act creates a unified federal standard. It aims to empower victims and deter perpetrators.
How the Law Works
The act imposes strict penalties on those who create or share nonconsensual explicit content. Offenders face mandatory restitution.
They could also receive fines or prison time. Threatening to publish such images is also a federal crime.
Social media platforms and websites bear significant responsibility. They must act swiftly to remove reported content.
Failure to comply within 48 hours risks legal consequences.
Websites have roughly one year to establish reporting processes. This gives platforms time to develop user-friendly systems.
Tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok already support similar initiatives.
They partner with organizations like StopNCII.org and Take It Down. These partnerships help victims report harmful content efficiently.
| Key Provisions of the Take It Down Act | Details |
|---|---|
| Criminalizes Nonconsensual Sharing | Sharing explicit images (real or AI-generated) without consent is a federal crime. |
| Penalties for Perpetrators | Offenders face fines, prison, or mandatory restitution to victims. |
| Platform Accountability | Social media and websites must remove reported content within 48 hours. |
| Threats Prohibited | Threatening to publish intimate images is also illegal. |
| Implementation Timeline | Platforms have one year to set up reporting processes. |
Trump’s Commitment to the Cause
President Trump spoke passionately at the signing ceremony. “Today, it is my honor to officially sign the Take It Down Act into law,” he said.
“This will be the first ever federal law to combat the distribution of explicit imagery posted without the subject’s consent.”
He emphasized the role of AI in exacerbating the issue. “This includes forgeries generated by artificial intelligence, known as deepfakes,” he added.
Trump highlighted the law’s focus on protecting women. “With the rise of AI image generation, countless women have been harassed with deepfakes,” he said.
“This is wrong, so horribly wrong, and today we are making it totally illegal.” His remarks underscored the emotional toll on victims.
He called the situation “very abusive” and stressed the need for action.
Widespread Support and Advocacy
The Take It Down Act passed with near-unanimous support in Congress. Only two House representatives voted against it.
The bipartisan effort was led by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar. Other supporters included Senators Marsha Blackburn, John Cornyn, and Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar and Debbie Dingell.
Over 100 organizations, including Meta, TikTok, and Google, backed the bill.
First Lady Melania Trump played a pivotal role. She lobbied lawmakers in April 2025. In March, she hosted a Capitol Hill roundtable with victims.
She also invited Elliston Berry, a Texas teen victim, to a joint session address.
“The well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and America,” Melania Trump said. She tied the law to her BE BEST initiative.
Advocates like Elliston Berry and Francesca Mani shared their stories. Berry’s image was shared on Snapchat without consent. Their experiences fueled the push for change.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. On X, users praised the law’s passage.
One user wrote, “Aye this is actually a good thing. First good thing he’s done all year.” Another said, “He’s completely right to do this. A positive move.”
A post by @CultureCrave noted, “Donald Trump has signed the ‘Take it Down Act’ into law,” detailing its key provisions.
Senator Ted Cruz celebrated the victory. “President Trump’s signature on this bill means my TAKE IT DOWN Act is now law,” he posted.
However, some users raised concerns about enforcement. They questioned how platforms would handle the volume of reports.
The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
The rise of AI has made deepfakes a pressing issue. Last year, fake explicit images of Taylor Swift spread online.
Her fans demanded action. Similar cases have harmed countless others, especially women and minors. In New Jersey, high school students faced deepfake abuse.
Before this law, federal protections were limited. They mainly covered child-related content. Adult victims depended on state laws, which varied widely.
The Take It Down Act creates a consistent framework. It ensures law enforcement can prosecute offenders effectively.
Tech Industry’s Role
Tech platforms are under pressure to act. The law mandates swift content removal. Many companies already have reporting tools.
Google, Meta, and Snapchat offer forms for victims . Apple and Google have removed AI apps that create explicit images from their stores.
The law strengthens these efforts, making compliance mandatory.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) called the law “groundbreaking.” It closes gaps in protections against digitally altered content.
The act aligns with initiatives like the Kids Online Safety Act, which also prioritizes child safety.
Looking Ahead
The Take It Down Act is a landmark achievement. It empowers victims to seek justice. It holds perpetrators and platforms accountable.
The law’s impact is expected to be significant. It sets a precedent for addressing digital harms.
As AI technology evolves, further measures may be needed. For now, the act offers hope to those affected by revenge porn and deepfakes.
Victims like Elliston Berry and Francesca Mani inspired this change. Their courage, combined with bipartisan support, made it possible.
The law reflects a shared commitment to protecting privacy and dignity online. As one X user put it, “Something good out of this administration.”
