‘Take it Down': Experts say a new law is good start to keeping kids safe from online sex abuse
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Overview:
The Take It Down Act, signed into law on May 19, 2025, criminalizes posting or threatening to post intimate or sexually explicit images and deepfakes without consent. It applies to both real and AI-generated content involving adults and minors .
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Key Provisions:
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Makes non-consensual publication of intimate images or deepfakes a federal crime; enhanced penalties for content involving minors .
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Requires websites, social media, and apps (as “covered platforms”) to implement a notice-and-takedown process, allowing victims to request removal .
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Platforms must remove content “within 48 hours” of notice, and monitor for duplicates .
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Penalties and Enforcement:
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Violators can face fines and up to 2 years in prison for adults, and up to 3 years for minors; threats alone carry penalties .
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Non-compliant platforms may be prosecuted under the Federal Trade Commission Act .
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Background & Support:
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Introduced in January 2025 by Sens. Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, the bill passed the Senate unanimously in February and the House by 409–2 in April .
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First Lady Melania Trump actively supported the bill, emphasizing AI and social media risks for kids .
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It’s the first federal law targeting non‑consensual intimate imagery and AI deepfakes .
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Criticism & Concerns:
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Some digital rights groups warn that the law’s 48‑hour takedown requirement, vague good‑faith standard, and lack of an appeals process may lead to over‑censorship and potential free‑speech abuses
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