Congress Passes Bill to Fight Deepfake Nudes, Revenge Porn
TL;DR
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Take It Down Act with an overwhelming 409-2 vote.
- The legislation criminalizes the non-consensual publication of sexual images, including deepfakes.
- President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, bolstered by support from First Lady Melania Trump.
- The bill mandates that online platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification.
In a significant step towards protecting victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Take It Down Act on Monday. The legislation aims to combat the rising issue of deepfake pornography and revenge porn, making it a federal crime to publish sexually explicit images without consent, including those generated through artificial intelligence.
The bipartisan bill garnered an impressive vote of 409-2, reflecting broad support across party lines. Following this decisive approval, the bill is set to advance to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he is anticipated to sign it into law. The first lady herself has been a vocal advocate for this effort, previously lobbying members of Congress to prioritize the legislation.
Key Provisions of the Take It Down Act
The Take It Down Act introduces several critical measures aimed at curbing the misuse of personal intimate images:
Criminalization of Non-Consensual Imagery: The bill criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), which encompasses real and computer-generated pornographic images. This provision seeks to address the ramifications of deepfake technology that has the potential to exploit individuals' images without their consent.
Rapid Removal Protocols: Under the new legislation, online platforms must remove such images within 48 hours once a victim notifies them. This requirement aims to provide immediate recourse for victims facing harassment or privacy violations.
Federal Enforcement: Violators of this law face mandatory restitution and severe criminal penalties, including potential jail time.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spearheaded the initiative in the Senate, highlighting a rare occurrence of bipartisan agreement in Congress over an urgent social issue. Cruz stated, “This victory belongs first and foremost to the heroic survivors who shared their stories and the advocates who never gave up”[^1].
The Broader Context
The Take It Down Act responds to a pressing need for legislation that protects online users, particularly vulnerable populations like women and minors who are disproportionately affected by the spread of deepfake imagery and revenge porn[^2]. As Melania Trump noted, “Through this critical legislation and our continued focus with ‘Be Best,’ we are building a future where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential”[^3].
However, the bill has encountered some dissent. Critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who voted against the measure, raised concerns that the legislation could lead to abuses and infringe on free speech. Massie expressed his worries that the law presents a “slippery slope” that could stifle lawful expression on digital platforms[^4].
Conclusion
As the Take It Down Act heads to the president for approval, its passage signals a crucial commitment by lawmakers to confront digital threats in an increasingly online world. By criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and requiring swift action from online platforms, Congress aims to provide a safer environment for individuals navigating the complexities of digital interactions.
The effectiveness of this legislation in practice will depend on vigilant enforcement and a commitment from both tech companies and lawmakers to protect victims while preserving fundamental rights.
In light of the rapid evolution of technology and its implications for personal privacy, the political landscape may witness further discussions on digital safety and the responsibilities of online platforms moving forward.
References
[^1]: Oremus, Will (2025). "Congress Passes Bill To Fight Deepfake Nudes, Revenge Porn". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
[^2]: Olsen, Sarah (2025). "House passes bill to fight deepfake nudes, revenge porn". The Hill. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
[^3]: Klein, Betsy & Talbot, Haley (2025). "House passes bill aimed at protecting victims of deepfake and revenge porn". CNN. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
[^4]: Wallace, Danielle (2025). "House passes Melania Trump-backed revenge porn, deep fake bill: TAKE IT DOWN Act". Fox News. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
[^5]: Gold, Michael & Kang, Cecilia (2025). "House Passes Bill to Ban Sharing of Revenge Porn, Sending It to Trump". The New York Times. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
Keywords
- Deepfake
- Revenge Porn
- Take It Down Act
- Congress
- Legislation
- Non-consensual Imagery