The TAKE IT DOWN Act (Public Law 119-12), signed May 19, 2025, is the first federal US law squarely aimed at deepfakes.
Does:
- Criminalize knowingly publishing nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI "digital forgeries." Up to 2 years for adult victims, 3 years for minors.
- Require covered platforms to run notice-and-takedown and remove flagged content within 48 hours. FTC enforcement started May 19, 2026.
- Produced its first conviction in April 2026.
Does not:
- Create a private right of action. Victims cannot sue under it directly; they rely on state civil laws.
- Cover non-intimate deepfakes. Election fakes, fraud, and impersonation remain state-law territory.
- Preempt state law. State criminal and civil provisions still apply on top.
What is next: the NO FAKES Act would create a federal right against unauthorized AI replicas of voice and likeness. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced it unanimously on June 18, 2026; it awaits a full Senate vote. Sources: Congress.gov, NCSL Running a platform or publishing AI-generated content under this law? ComplyAI checks your takedown workflow and disclosure duties for $2.99 one-time per check.
AI regulation alerts with push notifications beat checking tracker sites manually when federal bills move fast.