Trump signs law making revenge porn a federal crime

In the United States, on May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted the Take It Down Act, targeting the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, commonly referred to as revenge porn. This legislation includes provisions to ensure the removal of such material from online platforms within 48 hours after a victim's request, aiming to offer legal recourse to those affected. The initiative has broad backing, passing through Congress with strong bipartisan support, as it addresses a growing concern about online privacy violations and the misuse of personal images without consent. The bill not only penalizes the distribution of traditional revenge porn but also encompasses AI-generated content known as deepfakes, which presents unique legal and ethical challenges due to its rapidly evolving technology. The First Lady, Melania Trump, played a pivotal role in advocating for the bill's passage, highlighting the emotional toll such online violations have on individuals, particularly teenagers. Critics of the law express concerns about potential overreach, arguing that the law’s broad language might lead to the censorship of other legitimate content, such as legal pornography or LGBTQ+ material, and could infringe on personal privacy and free speech. Despite these criticisms, the proponents of the act see it as a necessary step to protect victims from ongoing harm and emotional distress caused by the online dissemination of intimate images. The implementation of this law signifies a critical shift toward recognizing and addressing the harmful implications of non-consensual intimate content in an increasingly digital age, though its effectiveness remains to be fully evaluated as legal experts anticipate potential constitutional challenges regarding its enforcement.