### US Congress Passes Landmark 'Take It Down' Act to Combat Deepfake and Revenge Pornography The U.S. Congress has made a significant move in the fight against non-consensual intimate imagery by passing the 'Take It Down Act.' This bipartisan legislation aims to criminalize the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography and revenge porn, addressing a growing concern in the digital age. The bill received overwhelming support, passing the House with a vote of 409-2, and is now awaiting President Donald Trump's signature to become law. The initiative has garnered backing from notable figures, including First Lady Melania Trump, who has been a vocal advocate for protecting victims of online exploitation [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2543089/us-congress-backs-take-it-down-act-in-bipartisan-vote, https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/melania-trumps-take-it-down-act-passes-us-congress-what-is-this-legislation-13884267.html]. ### Structure of the 'Take It Down' Act and Its Implications 1. **Legislative Overview** - The 'Take It Down Act' criminalizes the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/us-congress-passes-revenge-porn-bill-that-donald-trump-jokingly-said-i-am-going-to-use-that-bill-for-myself-too-if-you-/articleshow/120763461.cms]. - It mandates that online platforms must remove such content within 48 hours of a victim's notification [https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/04/29/melania-trump-backed-revenge-porn-bill-passes-house-heads-to-presidents-desk]. 2. **Bipartisan Support and Advocacy** - The bill received bipartisan support, with significant backing from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as tech industry stakeholders [https://mashable.com/article/congress-passes-take-it-down-act-ai-deepfake-bill]. - First Lady Melania Trump has been instrumental in promoting the legislation, emphasizing the need for greater protections against cyberbullying and exploitation [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/take-it-down-act-trump-bill-b2741522.html]. 3. **Expected Impact on Victims and Online Platforms** - The legislation aims to empower victims of deepfake and revenge porn by providing them with legal recourse and ensuring swift action from online platforms [https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/take-it-down-act-passage-intended-to-empower-victims-of-deepfakes-revenge-porn-nonconsensual-intimate-imagery-law-social-media-ai-melania-trump-congress-tech-companies]. - It is anticipated that the act will deter the creation and distribution of such harmful content, thereby reducing instances of online harassment and exploitation [https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/04/28/congress-deepfake-revenge-porn-law]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Legislative Vote**: The House passed the 'Take It Down Act' with a remarkable 409-2 vote, indicating strong bipartisan support [https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/revenge-porn-bill-backed-melania-trump-overwhelming-passes]. - **Key Provisions**: - Criminalization of non-consensual intimate imagery. - Requirement for platforms to act within 48 hours upon notification from victims. - **Advocacy**: The bill has been championed by notable figures, including Senator Ted Cruz and First Lady Melania Trump, highlighting its importance in contemporary discussions about digital rights and protections [https://time.com/7277746/ai-deepfakes-take-it-down-act-2025]. ### Conclusion: A Step Forward in Digital Rights Protection The passage of the 'Take It Down Act' marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. legislative landscape concerning digital rights and protections against online exploitation. 1. **Bipartisan Support**: The overwhelming support for the bill reflects a collective recognition of the need to address the harms caused by deepfake and revenge pornography. 2. **Empowerment of Victims**: By criminalizing non-consensual intimate imagery and mandating swift action from online platforms, the act aims to empower victims and provide them with necessary protections. 3. **Future Implications**: As the bill awaits President Trump's signature, its implementation could set a precedent for future legislation aimed at combating digital exploitation and enhancing online safety [https://www.newsday.com/business/take-it-down-deepfake-trump-melania-first-amendment-l66892, https://www.wfla.com/news/national/first-bill-targeting-deepfake-pornography-passed-by-congress].