TAKE IT DOWN Act
TAKE IT DOWN Act (Public Law 119-12)
First federal law addressing AI-generated intimate imagery. Criminalizes publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) including AI "digital forgeries." Creates 48-hour takedown obligation for platforms.
Jurisdiction
United States
Enacted
May 19, 2025
Effective
May 19, 2025
Enforcement
FTC (platform compliance) + DOJ (criminal)
Why It Matters
First US federal law substantially regulating AI-generated intimate content. Hard takedown deadlines, not just transparency.
Recent Developments
Signed May 19, 2025. Criminal provisions immediately effective. Platforms have until May 2026 for takedown systems.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Individuals using interactive computer services to publish NCII
- Covered platforms: websites/apps providing forum for user-generated content or dealing with NCII
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Criminalizes knowingly publishing NCII: up to 2 years prison (adults), 3 years (minors)
- Criminalizes threatening to publish NCII
- Covered platforms must provide clear NCII reporting mechanism
- Platforms must remove reported NCII within 48 hours of valid request
- Platforms must make reasonable efforts to remove identical copies
- Consent to create image ≠ consent to publish
- Good faith exceptions for law enforcement, legal proceedings, medical treatment
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
May 19, 2025
Criminal provisions take effect immediately
May 19, 2026
Platform notice-and-takedown process requirements take effect
Penalties
criminal (up to 3yr)
Private Right of Action
Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.
View on map
United States
Focus Areas
Compliance Help
By May 2026 requires: dedicated NCII/deepfake reporting intake; identity verification that doesn't re-victimize reporters; 48-hour removal capability; hash-matching for copies; appeals process.
See how NOPE helpsCite This
APA
United States. (2025). TAKE IT DOWN Act (Public Law 119-12).
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Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.