You can now legally request revenge and deepfake porn to be taken down. Here’s how

A significant legal shift has occurred, requiring online platforms to act swiftly in removing non-consensual intimate images. As of Tuesday, a federal law mandates that these platforms must delete such content within 48 hours of receiving a report from users. This law, known as the Take It Down Act, was signed into effect by President Donald Trump last year and criminalizes the distribution of both real and artificially generated non-consensual intimate images. With the one-year grace period for platforms to establish a removal process now expired, companies face stiff penalties of $53,088 for each violation if they fail to comply. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, a co-author of the bill alongside Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, emphasized that tech companies can no longer ignore the dreadful abuses occurring on social media. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing this new law and has already communicated with major online platforms, including Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, and X, as well as dating apps like Bumble and Match Group. The law applies to any business that primarily hosts user-generated content or regularly publishes intimate images without consent. In addition to the provisions targeting platforms, individuals who post non-consensual intimate imagery can already face legal repercussions, including fines and potential imprisonment for up to two years. Online platforms are now obliged to provide clear instructions for users to easily submit removal requests. They are also responsible for locating and eliminating duplicate instances of reported content within the stipulated 48-hour timeframe. The scope of this law extends to artificially generated content, commonly referred to as deepfake pornography. Some platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have built-in reporting features that allow users to flag such content directly. Even Walmart has introduced a reporting option for intimate imagery uploaded by users selling products on its platform. Organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offer services to assist in the removal of explicit content involving minors, while adults can seek help from groups like Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery for further support in reclaiming their privacy. The FTC has also launched a dedicated website to facilitate reports against platforms that do not comply with the new law. The Take It Down Act represents a groundbreaking legal framework addressing the issue of non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes. Previously, victims faced challenges in navigating a complex landscape of state laws and copyright regulations. Senator Cruz highlighted the importance of responsible technology use, stating that victims now possess the necessary tools to restore their dignity and privacy, while calling on Big Tech to take responsibility.