Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses TAKE IT DOWN Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, bipartisan legislation to protect victims of real and deepfake revenge pornography. The bill unanimously passed in the Senate in February and is scheduled for a markup in the House Energy and Commerce Committee next week. 

 Victims of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) face significant barriers to justice under current law. While nearly all states have laws that protect their citizens from revenge porn, only 20 states explicitly cover deepfake content. In those states, there is a high degree of variance in classification of crime, penalty, and even criminal prosecution. Victims struggle to have images depicting them removed from websites in a timely manner, which often contributes to wider spread and retraumatization.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act federally criminalizes the publication of NCII, including AI-generated content, and requires social media and other platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim. Unlike the existing civil remedy, which places significant burdens on victims, this bill empowers victims and holds online platforms accountable. The legislation is also narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII while protecting lawful speech.

 The TAKE IT DOWN Act was introduced by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL) and has 31 additional cosponsors, 12 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. It was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Salazar and Dingell. First Lady Melania Trump has been a strong advocate for the TAKE IT DOWN Act and hosted a roundtable on Capitol Hill last month to advocate for the legislation and call for a vote in the House.

 "My TAKE IT DOWN Act will finally give innocent victims real protection from online exploitation. Websites and platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok must remove fake, compromising pornographic images within 48 hours or face consequences. No more inaction. No more excuses: if you exploit an innocent child, you will face jail time," said Congresswoman María Salazar (FL-27).

“The increasing use of artificial intelligence to create and circulate deep fake pornography threatens the mental and emotional health and financial security of its victims, primarily women. Perpetrators have used deep fake pornography as a tool to harass, humiliate, and intimidate women online, often in response to them speaking out or advocating for themselves. This is a serious and growing issue I’m deeply concerned about. I’m proud the TAKE IT DOWN Act has been endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this urgent, bipartisan priority,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06).

"In an age where personal privacy can be violated with a click, the TAKE IT DOWN Act provides a much-needed federal safeguard. This legislation addresses both non-consensual intimate imagery and the insidious rise of AI-generated deepfakes, establishing a clear legal standard: victims have the right to have these exploitative images removed, and perpetrators will be held accountable. It is a commonsense and essential measure to protect Americans, empower survivors, uphold justice, and align our laws with the challenges of the digital era," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

“The publication of sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes - is a terrifying and destructive part of the digital age,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “I applaud the First Lady for bringing attention to this issue, and the Problem Solvers Caucus will work with her across party lines to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address these reprehensible acts. Let it be the first of many actions we take in this Congress to get things done.”

“Congress must make sure there are protections in place, especially for minors, as technology rapidly evolves. The TAKE IT DOWN Act will make sure that when individuals are victimized and inappropriately distorted through AI, they have strong mechanisms to take action and remedy such traumatic situations,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11).

“As a member of Congress, I’m pleased to be joining as a co-sponsor of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a vital step in safeguarding the dignity and safety of individuals, particularly our most vulnerable. This legislation ensures the swift removal of harmful content and holds perpetrators accountable, prioritizing the protection and well-being of those affected by deep fakes and non-consensual intimate imagery," said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28).

“As a father raising three daughters in an increasingly digital world, I’m alarmed by the rise of AI-generated explicit content and the exploitation of innocent people online,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01). “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a critical step to hold bad actors accountable and ensure that social media platforms and web hosts aren’t complicit in the spread of non-consensual, digitally forged images. This bill updates outdated laws and gives victims—especially minors—the tools they need to fight back. I’m proud to support H.R. 633 because no one should have their likeness twisted and weaponized against them.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — evenly split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.