S. 146Signed into lawAI & technology
New federal law criminalizes nonconsensual explicit images and deepfakes
Data as of July 12, 2026
The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes nonconsensual intimate images and deepfakes and requires platforms to remove them within 48 hours.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The TAKE IT DOWN Act makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish nonconsensual intimate or sexually explicit images, including AI-generated deepfakes, of real people. It sets penalties of up to 2 years in prison for offenses involving adults and up to 3 years for those involving minors, with exceptions for law enforcement, legal, medical, educational purposes, and self-shared images. It also requires platforms hosting user content to let victims request removal, with content taken down within 48 hours.
Who does it affect?
The law affects internet users who could be victims of nonconsensual explicit images or deepfakes, and social media companies, websites, and apps hosting user-generated content, which now face FTC enforcement if they fail to comply.
Why does it matter?
Platforms must build takedown systems and respond to requests quickly or risk FTC enforcement action, while individuals gain a criminal and civil pathway against distributors of such content.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: the President signed it. It's law.Now law
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Official title
TAKE IT DOWN Act
- Introduced:
- January 16, 2025
- Latest action:
- May 19, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-12.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.