ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

US Law Requires Removal of Sexual Deepfakes Within 48 Hours

other · 2026-05-20

A new federal law has just been implemented, mandating that online platforms remove sexual deepfakes and nonconsensual intimate images within 48 hours. Signed by President Donald Trump in May, the Take It Down Act holds social media companies accountable for AI-generated explicit content. This law makes it illegal to share nonconsensual intimate images, such as revenge porn and AI-created pictures. If companies fail to comply within the 48-hour window after a report, they could face civil penalties of up to $53,088 for each violation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing this law and has already sent warning letters to platforms like Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. The legislation was co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ted Cruz, making it a significant step in addressing nonconsensual imagery.

Key facts

  • The Take It Down Act was signed by President Donald Trump in May.
  • The law requires removal of nonconsensual intimate images within 48 hours.
  • Civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation for non-compliance.
  • The FTC enforces the law and sent warning letters to Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, X.
  • The FTC launched TakeItDown.ftc.gov for reporting platforms.
  • Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) co-authored the bill.
  • It is the first federal law addressing nonconsensual intimate imagery including AI-generated content.
  • The law applies to platforms that host user-generated content or intimate content shared without consent.

Entities

Institutions

  • Federal Trade Commission
  • Meta
  • Snapchat
  • TikTok
  • X
  • CNN
  • Take It Down Act
  • TakeItDown.ftc.gov
  • Depositphotos

Locations

  • United States
  • Minnesota
  • Texas

Sources