TAKE IT DOWN Act Officially Signed into Law by President Trump

(Washington, D.C.) – Today marks a major victory for victims of online exploitation and a defining moment in digital and child safety: President Donald J. Trump has officially signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation—originally introduced in the House by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and in the Senate by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)—will protect Americans from the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. 

“Today, through the ‘TAKE IT DOWN’ Act, we affirm that the well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and America. I am proud to say that the values of BE BEST will be reflected in the law of the land,” said First Lady Melania Trump.

"The signing of my TAKE IT DOWN Act is a historic moment in our fight to protect children online. I’m grateful to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for standing with us against the growing threat of online exploitation and AI abuse. For the first time, victims have real legal protection, and parents have a powerful tool to fight back and protect their children from digital threats. Predators will finally face the full force of the law,” said Rep. Maria Salazar.

“The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material. This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online,” said Sen. Ted Cruz.

“I am overjoyed that our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act is now law — a monumental step in the fight to protect Americans' privacy, empower victims, and address sexually explicit AI deepfakes. This was made possible by many advocates and partners — including Representatives Salazar and Dingell in the House, Senators Cruz and Klobuchar in the Senate, and the President and First Lady. Today is evidence that when we work together, we can accomplish important work for the American people,” said Rep Madeleine Dean.

“In an age where personal images can be stolen and weaponized in seconds, the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law marks a pivotal step forward. Our bipartisan law creates the first federal protections against non-consensual intimate imagery and AI-generated deepfakes—finally giving survivors the right to reclaim control and hold offenders accountable. I’m proud to have championed this legislation alongside Rep. Salazar, whose leadership was instrumental to this achievement,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

“The publication of sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes - is a terrifying and destructive part of the digital age. I applaud the First Lady for bringing attention to this issue, and the Problem Solvers Caucus will work with her across party lines to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address these reprehensible acts. Let it be the first of many actions we take in this Congress to get things done,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Suozzi.

With the President’s signature, the TAKE IT DOWN law now becomes the strongest federal tool to date for combatting “revenge porn,” digital harassment, and image-based sexual abuse. This new law sends a clear message to both predators and platforms: online exploitation will no longer be tolerated, and accountability will be enforced at every level. It is a major win for families and parents across America who can finally feel more secure knowing their children are better protected in today’s digital world. 

The law addresses the growing threat of deepfake technology, which allows perpetrators to create explicit, realistic images—usually of women and girls—without consent. Many victims don’t discover these images until after serious harm is done. By setting clear federal standards and requiring swift takedowns, the law closes a dangerous gap that left victims with little recourse.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar led the charge in the House, reintroducing the bill in January 2025. First Lady Melania Trump played a pivotal role in elevating the issue, hosting a high-profile roundtable on Capitol Hill and mobilizing bipartisan support. The law was passed unanimously in the Senate in February 2025 and received final approval in the House soon after.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act has earned support from over 120 organizations, including major tech companies like Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Amazon, as well as advocacy groups. 

The TAKE IT DOWN Act addresses these issues while protecting lawful speech by:
 

• Criminalizing the publication of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce;
   
• Protecting good faith efforts to assist victims by permitting the good faith disclosure of NCII for the purpose of law enforcement or medical treatment;
   
• Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victims within 48 hours; and
   
• Requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a ‘reasonable person’ test for appearing to realistically depict an individual, to conform to current First Amendment jurisprudence.

A Legislative Milestone for Rep. Salazar

The TAKE IT DOWN Act is the ninth piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Salazar to be signed into law, further cementing her role as a national leader in the fight to safeguard Americans—especially women and minors—from digital abuse. Other key policies sponsored by Rep. Salazar that have been enacted into law include:

• The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act – Honors 60 diplomats who risked their lives during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. Signed into law in December 2024.
   
• The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act – Protects migratory birds and their habitat, critical for the Everglades. Signed into law in April 2024.
   
• The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act – Recovers billions in fraudulent government loans and restores fiscal responsibility and government accountability. Implemented by the Biden Administration in December 2023.
   
• The REEF Act – Incentivizes retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America. Signed into law in December 2023.
   
• The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act – Reauthorizes critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues. Signed into law in December 2022.
   
• The PRICE Act – Makes it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts. Signed into law in February 2022.
   
• The Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act – Sanctions the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law in November 2021.
   
• The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act – Provides economic relief for Floridians. Implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.

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