Trump Signs Law Banning Nonconsensual AI-Generated Explicit Images

On May 19, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law the "Take It Down Act," which criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images, including those created using artificial intelligence.

The law targets both real and AI-generated sexually explicit material shared without a person’s consent. It applies to individuals who publish or threaten to publish such content and imposes penalties of up to three years in prison. The legislation also requires online platforms to remove flagged content within 48 hours of notification.

The Federal Trade Commission will be responsible for enforcing the law and managing a removal system for affected individuals.

The Act passed with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It is considered one of the first major federal laws in the United States specifically addressing the misuse of AI in creating harmful deep fake content.