TRUMP SIGNS DEEPFAKE BAN – “Take It Down” Now LAW!

Global Overview May 21,2025

What happens when a bipartisan bill takes a stand against the sinister rise of deepfakes and nonconsensual intimate imagery?

At a Glance

President Trump signed the “Take It Down Act” into law to combat nonconsensual intimate imagery and deepfakes.
First Lady Melania Trump, along with Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, spearheaded the bipartisan legislation.
Offenders face up to three years in prison, and websites must remove offending content within 48 hours.
Some opponents raised concerns about First Amendment implications and potential censorship.

“Take It Down Act” Signed into Law

President Donald Trump made headlines on May 19 with the signing of the “Take It Down Act,” a momentous step aiming to inhibit the spread of nonconsensual intimate imagery and deepfakes. This legislation, unprecedented in its bipartisan backing, ventures to confront the digital bedevilment posing a threat to personal privacy. The act’s measures allow victims to request swift removal of such malicious content, imposing a stringent 48-hour deadline on platforms.

Watch coverage here.

Central to the effort were First Lady Melania Trump and Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, whose collaboration marks a vigorous legislative push against this modern issue. At a time of rampant digital exploitation, the law empowers victims by threatening offenders with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a move praised by both legislators and civil liberty organizations alike.

/div>

Broad Range of Support

The bipartisan nature of this bill can’t go unnoticed as it sailed through both the Senate and the House, demonstrating a rare but promising political unity. Its swift passage was highlighted by the attendance of lawmakers, advocates, and victims at the signing ceremony, all underscoring its significance. First Lady Melania Trump’s involvement through her “Be Best” initiative emphasizes an ongoing commitment to children’s protection from digital threats.

Despite overwhelming support from prominent entities, including Meta, concerns over potential First Amendment violations and unintended censorship linger. Skeptics argue that while the act attacks a legitimate problem, its approach may encroach upon free speech rights.

Future Implications and Concerns

While praise abounds for the decisive action taken against digital exploitation, the balancing act between individual rights and a free, open internet environment remains a contentious topic. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation celebrates the bill as a step forward in granting victims a voice and mechanism for justice. However, caution must be exercised to ensure that the battle against malevolent deepfakes and nonconsensual content does not come at the expense of constitutional freedoms.

This legislation, inspired by the tragic story of young Elliston Berry—a victim of AI-generated deepfake imagery—promises a safer digital domain for all individuals. While its passage marks progress against internet-based exploitation, it highlights the continuous debate of maintaining privacy, safety, and freedom in the digital age.