Trump Signs Take It Down Act to Combat Revenge Porn Amid Censorship Concerns
May 19, 2025
The urgency for such legislation is underscored by past cases, including that of a Texas teenager who suffered from deepfake pornography, illustrating the need for robust legal protections.
Digital rights organizations have welcomed the new penalties but caution that the takedown requirements could lead to over-filtering of legitimate content.
Previous legislative efforts to address revenge porn, such as the DEFIANCE Act, have failed, highlighting the ongoing struggle for victims seeking legal recourse.
The law, which received strong bipartisan support, emphasizes the accountability of social media companies in removing harmful content.
However, critics argue that the bill's broad language could lead to censorship and infringe on due process rights, raising concerns about potential overreach.
Concerns have been raised that platforms may be overwhelmed by false reports, which could undermine their ability to effectively manage legitimate complaints.
There are also concerns that the law's requirements might compromise encryption standards, potentially impacting user security and privacy.
Advocates for stronger protections against online exploitation emphasize the need for tech companies to prioritize child safety over profits, calling for continued vigilance in enforcement.
President Trump has signed the Take It Down Act, marking the first federal legislation aimed at combating nonconsensual explicit images, including revenge porn and intimate deepfakes.
Experts warn that the law's implementation will depend heavily on the Federal Trade Commission's enforcement capabilities and the need for tech companies to enhance their content moderation systems.
Despite its significance, the law will not be actively enforced for about a year, leaving existing harmful content available during this interim period.
The Take It Down Act comes in response to a significant lack of federal regulation on this issue, with only a few states previously having enacted similar laws.
Summary based on 89 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • May 20, 2025
Trump signs Take It Down Act to combat fake images and online exploitation
TechCrunch • May 19, 2025
Trump to sign bill criminalizing revenge porn and explicit deepfakes
TechCrunch • May 19, 2025
Trump signs bill criminalizing revenge porn and explicit deepfakes
WIRED • May 19, 2025
Trump Signs Controversial Law Targeting Nonconsensual Sexual Content