Trump Signs Landmark Bill Criminalizing Revenge Porn and Explicit Deepfakes
If you’ve searched for how the U.S. government is tackling revenge porn and AI-generated deepfakes, here’s the latest update: President Donald Trump is set to sign the Take It Down Act, a groundbreaking federal law aimed at criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of explicit images. This includes both authentic photos and videos, as well as AI-generated deepfakes, a growing concern in today’s digital age. With revenge porn and explicit deepfake cases on the rise, this bipartisan legislation promises stricter penalties, including fines and imprisonment, to protect victims from online harassment and exploitation.
The new law mandates social media platforms and online companies to remove any reported non-consensual explicit content within 48 hours. They must also proactively delete duplicates to prevent further spread. Until now, many states individually banned revenge porn and sexually explicit deepfakes, but this is the first federal move to hold internet companies accountable nationwide. This shift is a major step forward in combating digital abuse and protecting user privacy in an era of advanced AI manipulation.
First Lady Melania Trump played a key role in championing the bill, which was introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Senator Cruz cited a disturbing incident where Snapchat delayed nearly a year before removing an AI-generated deepfake of a 14-year-old girl, highlighting the urgent need for federal intervention. While the law aims to curb harmful digital abuse, some free speech advocates and digital rights groups caution that its broad language could unintentionally censor legitimate content, including lawful pornography or political speech, sparking a debate about balancing privacy and freedom online.
This historic legislation aligns with increasing government efforts to regulate harmful AI content, safeguard digital privacy, and hold online platforms accountable. If you’re concerned about revenge porn, AI deepfakes, or digital privacy rights, understanding this new legal framework is essential. As this law rolls out, social media companies will face greater responsibility to protect users and swiftly remove abusive explicit content, marking a significant milestone in internet safety and digital ethics.
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