WASHINGTON, D.C., August 23, 2025 — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act on Monday with a resounding 409-2 vote, sending the landmark legislation to President Trump’s desk. The bill, championed by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), criminalizes the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfake pornography, and mandates that social media platforms remove such content within 48 hours of a victim’s request.
The legislation addresses a growing crisis fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, which have made deepfake abuse more prevalent, particularly among teenagers. The bill was inspired by victims like Elliston Berry, a Texas teen whose ordeal with AI-generated explicit images spurred bipartisan support, including from First Lady Melania Trump. The act ensures federal penalties for perpetrators and empowers victims to reclaim their privacy.
Only Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Eric Burlison (R-MO) opposed the measure, citing concerns over potential free speech implications. Supporters, however, argue the bill is narrowly tailored to protect victims without infringing on lawful expression. Over 120 organizations, including Meta, Google, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, endorsed the legislation.
President Trump has pledged to sign the bill, marking it as the first major AI-related federal regulation. The TAKE IT DOWN Act represents a significant step toward safeguarding individuals from online exploitation, setting a precedent for future tech accountability measures.
