Washington, D.C. — Today, the President of the United States signed into law the TAKE IT DOWN Act, led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA). This landmark legislation modernizes federal protections against the online distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated content. The Act represents a significant effort to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse and protect survivors.
With more than 300 million children affected globally by online exploitation in the past year alone, the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a crucial step forward in meeting the moment —closing critical legal gaps and placing clear responsibilities on online platforms to act swiftly when harmful content is reported in the U.S.
“The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a lifeline for survivors who’ve had our bodies turned into weapons against us. It forces platforms to finally act — quickly — when our images and content are stolen and spread. This law doesn’t deliver justice, but it gives us a way to claw back some control in a system that so often leaves us powerless. It’s not enough, but it’s something, and for many, that something can mean survival,” said Leah Juliett, survivor and activist.
“The TAKE IT DOWN Act represents a critical step forward in our collective commitment to safeguarding children and survivors from the pervasive threat of non-consensual intimate imagery. By criminalizing the malicious distribution of such content and mandating swift removal by platforms, this legislation holds perpetrators accountable and helps restore survivors' dignity. In a digital landscape where technology often outpaces regulation, this new law is an important step in our fight to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice, and ensure the promise of a safer digital future for every child," said Daniela Ligiero, CEO and President of Together for Girls, founder of the Brave Movement, and a survivor of childhood sexual violence.
Under the new law, it is now a federal crime to intentionally post or threaten to post non-consensual intimate imagery, including child exploitative imagery that was previously not covered by law. Platforms are legally required to remove flagged content within 48 hours of notification, providing survivors with a clear legal mechanism for swift removal. This includes explicit protections for minors and clarifies that consent to create an image does not equate to consent to share it.
The U.S., home to many of the world’s leading tech companies, holds a unique global influence in shaping internet safety standards. With this legislation, the federal government signals a strong commitment to accountability and child-centered policy in the digital age.
The Act’s passage follows sustained advocacy from over 185 organizations, including the Brave Movement and Together for Girls, and is a direct response to the urgent need for enforceable, consistent protections that reflect the realities of a post-AI internet.
The signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a bold and necessary step toward a future where children and survivors are no longer left vulnerable in online spaces. Ensuring that digital platforms prioritize safety by design is not just a legal imperative but a moral one.