House Approves ‘Take It Down’ Act to Combat Deepfake Revenge Imagery
The House has decisively approved the Take It Down Act, a legislative measure designed to combat deepfake pornography—nonconsensual AI-generated sexual content—with a vote tally of 409 to 2.
This law criminalizes the production or distribution of explicit deepfake images or videos without the consent of the individuals depicted. Additionally, it mandates that online platforms remove reported content within 72 hours of receiving a notification.
Victims will now possess the legal authority to initiate lawsuits against creators, distributors, or platforms that disregard takedown requests. Legislators assert that this legislation is long overdue, particularly in light of the swift advancements in AI-generated imagery.
The bill, which has garnered support from President Trump and a rare bipartisan coalition, is being celebrated as a landmark initiative to safeguard human dignity and digital privacy.
Advocates stress that deepfake pornography disproportionately affects women, public figures, and children, frequently resulting in significant social and psychological harm.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), one of the bill’s sponsors, remarked, “This is about establishing a boundary. No individual should awaken to find their likeness featured in a fake pornographic video circulating online without their consent.”
Only two representatives opposed the bill, expressing concerns regarding potential government overreach and implications for free speech. Nevertheless, proponents contend that the bill strikes a careful balance between platform accountability and privacy rights.
The Senate is anticipated to deliberate on the Take It Down Act in the coming weeks. With robust bipartisan support and backing from the executive branch, its passage appears likely.
If enacted, this legislation would signify a significant transformation in the manner in which the United States addresses digital exploitation and the misuse of AI technology.