'Take It Down Act' passed: US outlaws non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated content

Washington: Former US President Donald Trump has signed the "Take It Down Act" into law, making it a federal crime to share non-consensual intimate images — including those generated using artificial intelligence.

The new legislation, which passed through Congress with bipartisan support, criminalises the distribution of so-called "revenge porn" and mandates that platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification. Perpetrators found guilty of intentionally sharing explicit material without consent could face up to three years in prison.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, Mr Trump said: “With the rise of AI image generation, countless women have been harassed with deepfakes and other explicit images distributed against their will. Today we're making it totally illegal.”

Websites that fail to act quickly in removing flagged content could face civil penalties, he added.

Melania Trump makes rare appearance

The event marked a rare public appearance by First Lady Melania Trump, who has remained largely out of the spotlight since her husband assumed office on 20 January.

Describing the legislation as a “national victory”, she stated it would help protect families and children from online exploitation. “This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused,” she said.

Rise of AI Deepfakes sparks urgency

The legislation comes amid growing concern over the explosion of AI tools capable of generating realistic fake images and videos — often used to create explicit content featuring individuals without their consent.

While several US states, including California and Florida, already have laws targeting such acts, the federal legislation aims to create uniform protections nationwide. It also responds to an alarming surge in deepfake porn scandals across schools in several states, where students have been targeted by classmates using AI apps.

Civil liberties groups raise concerns

However, the bill has not been without controversy. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights advocacy group, has warned the legislation could pose risks to free speech.

“The bill gives the powerful a dangerous new route to manipulate platforms into removing lawful speech that they simply don't like,” the EFF said.

Nonetheless, experts in technology ethics welcomed the move. Renee Cummings, an AI ethicist and criminologist at the University of Virginia, called the bill a “significant step” in tackling digital exploitation.

“Its effectiveness will depend on swift and sure enforcement, severe punishment for perpetrators and real-time adaptability to emerging digital threats,” she told AFP.

A mother's relief

Among those praising the legislation was Dorota Mani, the mother of a young victim of online abuse. “It's a very important first step,” she said. “Now I have a legal weapon in my hand, which nobody can say no to.”

As AI-driven deepfake tools continue to evolve, the bill represents a high-profile attempt by lawmakers to catch up with technology and curb a fast-growing form of digital abuse that has already impacted celebrities, politicians, and everyday individuals alike.