Trump Signs Historic Act to Ban Revenge Porn and AI Deepfakes

On May 19, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed into law the “Take It Down Act,” a landmark piece of legislation aimed at curbing the spread of non-consensual explicit content online, commonly known as revenge porn. The act also addresses the rising threat of AI-generated “deepfake” images and videos.

A Bipartisan Win

The “Take It Down Act” garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the House with a 409–2 vote and gaining unanimous approval in the Senate. Co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, the bill reflects a unified effort to confront the growing misuse of technology to exploit individuals—especially women and minors—online.

What the Law Does

The law makes it a federal crime to knowingly distribute intimate images or videos of someone without their consent, regardless of whether those images were real or digitally fabricated using AI. Platforms will also be required to respond promptly to removal requests from victims—within 48 hours—under threat of penalties enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

Melania Trump’s Role

First Lady Melania Trump was a strong advocate for the bill, aligning it with her “Be Best” initiative. She appeared publicly alongside the former president during the bill signing, highlighting the dangers of AI and social media for children and teens. She described these technologies as “digital candy” that have damaging effects on young minds and called for stronger protections for families in the digital age.

A Shift Toward Accountability

The new law puts more pressure on social media companies and online platforms to actively monitor and remove harmful content. It empowers victims to take control of their digital identities and seek swift redress when their privacy is violated. This is especially crucial in an era where AI-generated images can be created and spread rapidly with little oversight.

Criticism and the Road Ahead

While the law has been praised by many advocacy groups and legal experts, some digital rights organizations have raised concerns about potential overreach and the implications for free speech. Still, most agree that the legislation is a necessary step to protect individuals from harassment and abuse in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion

The “Take It Down Act” represents a crucial update to U.S. law in the face of fast-evolving technology. By criminalizing both traditional and AI-generated revenge porn, it offers victims a stronger sense of justice and sets a precedent for future digital safety laws. As technology continues to evolve, legal frameworks like this will be essential to ensure that human dignity and consent remain protected—both offline and online.