Trump signs law targeting AI deep fakes
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the "Take It Down Act," a landmark law that criminalizes the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deep fakes. The signing ceremony took place in the White House's Rose Garden and was attended by First Lady Melania Trump, who expressed that the legislation would help families combat online exploitation.
The bipartisan bill, which received overwhelming support in Congress, was passed by the House of Representatives in April with a 409–2 vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate. Authored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, with Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar as co-lead, the Act establishes the first federal criminal penalties for distributing non-consensual intimate content, often referred to as "revenge porn."
Under the new law, online platforms are required to remove flagged non-consensual intimate content within 48 hours of receiving a notification from a victim. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Penalties for distributing such content can include up to three years in prison, with increased penalties for cases involving minors.
First Lady Melania Trump, who actively advocated for the bill, highlighted the importance of protecting children and addressing online exploitation, aligning her efforts with her "Be Best" initiative. While the Act has been praised for tackling the misuse of AI technologies, some digital rights organizations have raised concerns about potential overreach and implications for free speech.
The "Take It Down Act" marks a significant advancement in regulating harmful digital content and reflects a growing consensus on the necessity to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies in the digital landscape.
