In a Rare Display of Overwhelming Bipartisan Unity, Lawmakers Approve a Landmark Measure Designed to Protect Citizens From the Rapidly Escalating Dangers of Misused Artificial Intelligence, Targeting Exploitation, Safeguarding Dignity, and Forcing Platforms to Act Swiftly Against Harmful Digital Content While Sparking National Conversations on Privacy and Freedom
The House has overwhelmingly passed the Take It Down Act, voting 409–2 in favor of the bill aimed at combating the growing threat of nonconsensual AI-generated sexual content, commonly known as deepfake porn. The legislation makes it a federal crime to create or distribute explicit deepfake images or videos without the subject’s consent. It also requires online platforms to remove flagged content within 72 hours of notification. Victims of such content will now have the legal right to sue creators, distributors, or platforms that fail to comply with takedown demands. Lawmakers say the law is long overdue, given the rapid advances in AI image and video generation.
Backed by President Trump and a rare coalition of bipartisan support, the Take It Down Act is being hailed as a landmark step toward defending digital privacy and human dignity.
Advocates argue that deepfake porn has become an increasingly damaging weapon, disproportionately targeting women, public figures, and minors, often with devastating social and psychological consequences.
“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, explicit video spreading online without their consent.”
Opponents—just two representatives—voiced concerns about potential free speech implications and overreach. But supporters argue the bill carefully balances privacy rights and platform responsibility.
