TAKE IT DOWN Act

This bill targets the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images online, including AI-made look‑alikes (“digital forgeries”). It makes it a crime to post these images without consent. For adults, it applies when the image was private, not a matter of public concern, and the posting is meant to cause harm or does cause harm. For minors, it applies when the posting is meant to abuse or harass, or to arouse someone sexually. Threats to post these images are also crimes. Courts must order restitution to victims, and can seize tools and profits from the crime.

Online platforms must set up a clear, easy way for people to report and request removal of these images. They have up to 1 year after enactment to build this process. Once a valid request is made, platforms must remove the image and any known identical copies as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours. The FTC can enforce these rules, and platforms are protected when they remove content in good faith. Covered platforms are public websites, apps, or online services that mainly host user‑generated content; broadband providers and email are not covered. Reasonable exceptions apply (for example: law enforcement, court filings, medical or educational uses, reporting unlawful content, or seeking help).

• Who is affected: People whose intimate images are shared without consent, minors, and online platforms that host user‑generated content.
• What changes: Posting or threatening to post these images becomes a crime; courts must order restitution; platforms must remove reported images within 48 hours and try to remove known exact copies; FTC can enforce; platforms have a safe harbor for good‑faith removals.
• When: Platforms must create the reporting/removal process within 1 year after enactment; the 48‑hour removal window starts once a valid request is submitted.