The TAKE IT DOWN Act: Federal Rules for Nonconsensual Intimate Deepfakes

The 2025 federal law covers certain authentic images and AI-generated ‘digital forgeries.’

What happened—and what the record establishes

The TAKE IT DOWN Act became Public Law 119-12 on May 19, 2025. It criminalizes certain intentional disclosures and threats involving nonconsensual intimate visual depictions, including qualifying AI-generated digital forgeries.

The law also requires covered platforms to maintain a notice-and-removal process and remove qualifying material within 48 hours after receiving a valid request. The statute defines key terms and contains elements that differ depending on whether the subject is an adult or minor.

Not every altered image falls within the law. Identifiability, intimate content, consent, intent, harm, platform coverage, and statutory exceptions matter. Victims may also have state criminal or civil remedies.

Questions the law must answer

• Does the image meet the statutory definition of an intimate depiction or digital forgery?
• Was publication nonconsensual and were required intent elements present?
• Did a covered platform respond to a complete removal request?

Practical takeaways

• Save evidence before requesting removal.
• The law includes both criminal provisions and platform duties.
• Report immediate threats to law enforcement and seek victim-support resources.