House Approves Historic Deepfake Legislation with a 409–2 Vote
In an unusual display of bipartisan cooperation, the U.S. House has voted 409–2 in favor of the Take It Down Act, a comprehensive bill that makes it illegal to create and distribute nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfake material. This legislation, co-sponsored by representatives from both political parties, is now on its way to President Trump, who is anticipated to sign it into law.
The bill aims to combat an escalating digital menace by instituting criminal penalties, mandating platform takedowns, providing civil remedies, and ensuring protections for minors. It seeks to fill 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 legislation strikes a balance between essential privacy protections and First Amendment rights. Its enactment signifies a significant advancement in the United States’ initiatives to govern AI-related misconduct and uphold digital dignity.
