Congress Passes Bill Criminalizing Non-Consensual Intimate Images

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan 'Take It Down Act,' which criminalizes the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, including both real and AI-generated content, and requires online platforms to remove such material within 48 hours of notification. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz and supported by both parties as well as First Lady Melania Trump, mandates swift action by tech companies to protect victims, particularly young women, from revenge porn and deepfakes. While praised as a significant federal move to address a previously state-level issue, critics warn that the law’s vague definitions and lack of safeguards could enable abuse, censorship, and threaten online privacy. Some politicians, including Donald Trump, have indicated intentions to use the law to suppress critics, raising concerns about potential misuse. Civil liberties groups and digital rights advocates suggest that strengthening and enforcing existing legal protections would be a better solution than creating new takedown regimes, which may be prone to exploitation.