S. 146 · Signed into law · Science, Technology, Communications

TAKE IT DOWN Act

Sponsor: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

What it does

• Prohibit the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions, including deepfakes, with intent to cause harm.
• Require covered online platforms to remove reported intimate visual depictions within 48 hours of notification.
• Establish criminal penalties including mandatory restitution, prison, and fines for violators.
• Prohibit threats to publish intimate visual depictions and related coercive conduct.

Official summary

Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act or the TAKE IT DOWN Act This bill generally prohibits the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated, and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence. Specifically, the bill prohibits the online publication of intimate visual depictions of an adult subject where publication is intended to cause or does cause harm to the subject, and where the depiction was published without the subject’s consent or, in the case of an authentic depiction, was created or obtained under circumstances where the adult had a reasonable expectation of privacy; or a minor subject where publication is intended to abuse or harass the minor or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Violators are subject to mandatory restitution and criminal penalties, including prison, a fine, or both. Threats to publish intimate visual depictions of a subject are similarly prohibited under the bill and subject to criminal penalties. Separately, covered platforms must…

Latest action

May 19, 2025: Became Public Law No: 119-12.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation