President Donald J. Trump Signed S. 146 into Law

Published: Tue 20th May 25

On May 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed S. 146, the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act, into law.

This act criminalizes the intentional disclosure of nonconsensual intimate visual depictions and mandates that covered online platforms remove such content.

The legislation aims to protect victims of this form of online abuse while holding perpetrators accountable.

The act also addresses challenges presented by technologies like deepfakes that facilitate the creation and distribution of such material.

Arguments For

  • Protecting Victims: The TAKE IT DOWN Act aims to protect individuals from the harm caused by the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images and videos.

  • Holding Perpetrators Accountable: The Act establishes criminal penalties for those who intentionally distribute such material, providing a legal framework for prosecution.

  • Encouraging Platform Cooperation: By requiring online platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate visual depictions, the Act incentivizes proactive measures to combat this form of online abuse.

  • Technological Advancements: The Act acknowledges and attempts to address the challenges posed by technological advancements, such as deepfakes, in the realm of online abuse.

Arguments Against

  • Freedom of Speech Concerns: Critics may argue that the Act infringes on freedom of speech protections, particularly regarding the removal of content from online platforms.

  • Implementation Challenges: Enforcing the Act and determining the line between consensual and nonconsensual sharing may present significant practical challenges for law enforcement and online platforms.

  • Potential for Abuse: The Act's provisions could potentially lead to misuse or overreach, resulting in the removal of legitimate content or the unfair targeting of individuals.

  • Platform Responsibility and Liability: The Act places significant responsibility on online platforms, creating potential legal liabilities and raising concerns about censorship and due process.

Presidential Actions

On Monday, May 19, 2025, the President signed into law:

S. 146, the “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act”, or the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act provides for criminal prohibition on intentional disclosure of nonconsensual intimate visual depictions and requires covered platforms to remove such depictions, and for other purposes.

Related

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Mon 15th Jun 26

* The President formally sent nominations for judicial positions within the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to the Senate for confirmation.

Read More

Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2026

Fri 12th Jun 26

* Donald J. Trump proclaimed June 14, 2026, as Flag Day and the week starting June 14, 2026, as National Flag Week, directing federal flag displays and encouraging public observance.

Read More

National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-12

Fri 12th Jun 26

* Established a unified policy, governance structure, and clear accountability framework for the cybersecurity defense of all National Security Systems (NSS), re-establishing the CNSS and designating the NSA Director as the National Manager.

Read More

Nomination and Withdrawal Sent to the Senate

Thu 11th Jun 26

The President sent a nomination for Walter Clayton to be Director of National Intelligence to the Senate and simultaneously withdrew a previous nomination for Clayton as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Read More