Congress Passes Landmark Law to Combat Nonconsensual Deepfakes

In a rare show of unity, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 409–2 to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill designed to tackle the spread of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes. The legislation, now signed into law, represents one of the most significant steps yet in protecting individuals from digital exploitation.

The law makes it a federal crime to knowingly create or distribute intimate images or videos of a person without their consent, whether real or artificially generated. It also establishes clear responsibilities for online platforms. Beginning in 2026, major platforms will be required to maintain systems that allow victims to request swift removal of harmful content.

Supporters describe the measure as a turning point for digital safety. Victims of image-based abuse often face devastating psychological, social, and professional consequences, with little recourse when their likeness is misused. By criminalizing the practice and introducing a structured removal process, lawmakers aim to restore a measure of dignity and control to those affected.

While some raised concerns about free speech and the reach of government regulation, bipartisan sponsors emphasized the bill’s careful balance between privacy rights and platform accountability. With both chambers of Congress and the President endorsing the measure, the TAKE IT DOWN Act stands as a milestone in addressing the intersection of technology, consent, and human dignity in the digital age.