Trump backed a bill on nonconsensual intimate images — but he fired its enforcers

April 17, 2025

The bipartisan Take It Down Act, which would criminalize distributing nonconsensual intimate images and require tech platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of a request, has passed the Senate unanimously twice and cleared a House committee. While the bill has strong support including from Melania Trump and President Trump's promise to sign it, House Democrats and victim advocates warn that recent weakening of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—which would be responsible for enforcement—may limit the bill's effectiveness. The legislation would provide recourse for survivors trying to remove intimate images from the internet, including consensual images distributed without permission and AI-generated deepfakes.

Who is affected

Survivors of nonconsensual intimate image sharing, including victims of "revenge porn" and AI-generated deepfakes
Young victims in particular who prioritize getting their images removed from the internet
Social media platforms and tech companies that would be required to remove such content within 48 hours
Federal agencies including the FTC and Department of Justice who would be responsible for enforcement
State courts and prosecutors handling cases at the local level

What action is being taken

The Take It Down Act is advancing through Congress, having passed the Senate unanimously twice and cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Advocates are simultaneously working with policymakers at the state level to strengthen laws
Organizations like My Own Image are crafting model state policies that address cases without intent to harm
The nonprofit Sexual Violence Prevention Association is working to ensure victims don't "fall through the cracks"
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's DEFIANCE Act would create a civil right of action for survivors to sue creators

Why it matters

Survivors currently have limited legal recourse to get nonconsensual intimate images removed from the internet
Once an image spreads to multiple platforms, removal becomes a difficult "whack-a-mole" process
Research shows platforms like X only remove nonconsensual intimate imagery when requests invoke federal copyright law
Nonconsensual sharing often occurs across state lines, making federal policy important
Narrow state laws can prevent justice for survivors due to exceptions around intent or other factors

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article, beyond the pending full House vote on the Take It Down Act.

Read full article from source: The 19th