In a sweeping bipartisan move, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Take It Down Act by a vote of 409–2, targeting the growing problem of AI-generated nonconsensual sexual content. The bill makes it illegal to create or share explicit deepfake images or videos without the subject’s consent and requires online platforms to remove flagged material within 72 hours of notification.
Victims will gain the right to sue individuals or companies that create, distribute, or fail to remove such content, marking a major shift in digital privacy law. Lawmakers say the legislation is long overdue, given the explosive rise of AI-generated imagery that can replicate faces with alarming realism.
The bill has earned rare bipartisan praise and backing from President Trump, with supporters calling it a historic step toward protecting digital privacy and human dignity. Advocates note that women, children, and public figures are disproportionately harmed by deepfake porn, often suffering severe emotional and reputational damage.
“This is about drawing a line,” said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), one of the bill’s sponsors. “No one should wake up to find their face on a fake pornographic video circulating online.” The Take It Down Act now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with strong support, potentially reshaping how the U.S. confronts AI-driven digital exploitation.
