House Approves Historic Deepfake Legislation with a 409–2 Vote
In an unusual display of bipartisan cooperation, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 409–2 to approve the Take It Down Act, a comprehensive bill that makes the creation and distribution of nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfake material a criminal offense. This legislation, co-sponsored by members from both political parties, is now on its way to President Trump, who is anticipated to sign it into law.
The bill addresses an escalating digital menace by instituting criminal penalties, mandating platform takedown actions, providing civil remedies, and offering protections for minors. It fills a legal void in current “revenge porn” statutes, which seldom encompass AI-generated forgeries.
Supported by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representatives Elvira Salazar and Madeline Dean, the act strikes a balance between essential privacy protections and First Amendment rights. Its enactment signifies a significant advancement in the United States’ initiatives to regulate AI-related misconduct and uphold digital dignity.
