U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a landmark bill into law that makes the distribution of “revenge porn” a federal crime, including explicit content generated through artificial intelligence.
Known as the “Take It Down Act,” the legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and aims to combat the growing threat of non-consensual intimate image sharing, including AI-generated deepfakes.
“With the rise of AI image generation, countless women have been harassed with deepfakes and other explicit images distributed against their will,” President Trump said during the signing ceremony held in the Rose Garden of the White House on Monday, May 19. “And today we’re making it totally illegal. Anyone who intentionally distributes explicit images without the subject’s consent will face up to three years in prison.”
The law also requires online platforms to remove flagged images within 48 hours of notification. Failure to comply could result in civil liabilities for the platforms.
Melania Trump Backs Online Protection Effort
First Lady Melania Trump, who endorsed the bill earlier in March, made a rare public appearance at the ceremony. Describing the new law as a “national victory,” she emphasized its role in protecting families and children from digital exploitation.
“This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused,” she said.
Since taking office on January 20, Melania Trump has largely kept a low profile, making limited appearances in Washington.
Addressing AI-Driven Exploitation
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create highly realistic fake videos and images, often depicting individuals in sexually explicit contexts without their consent. While several U.S. states, such as California and Florida, have enacted laws targeting sexually explicit deepfakes, this new federal law establishes broader protections and enforcement measures.
The bill mandates that social media platforms and websites implement procedures to quickly remove non-consensual content when reported by victims. The legislation comes amid growing concerns about the surge in AI-generated explicit content, which has affected both high-profile figures and private individuals.
Experts warn that such material can lead to harassment, blackmail, and severe mental health impacts, especially among youth.
“This is a significant step,” said Renee Cummings, an AI and data ethicist and criminologist at the University of Virginia. “Its effectiveness will depend on swift and sure enforcement, severe punishment for perpetrators and real-time adaptability to emerging digital threats.”
Families Hail New Law
The new federal mandate has been welcomed by families and victims’ advocates. Dorota Mani, a mother whose daughter was targeted by non-consensual imagery, described the law as empowering.
“It’s a very important first step,” she said. “Now I have a legal weapon in my hand, which nobody can say no to.”
The “Take It Down Act” positions the United States among the growing number of nations addressing the ethical and legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the digital age.
