On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act” into law, criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes and revenge porn. The legislation mandates that social media platforms remove flagged content within 48 hours and empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce compliance.
During the White House Rose Garden ceremony, President Trump acknowledged South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey and his family. Guffey’s son, Gavin, died by suicide in 2022 after being targeted in an online sextortion scam. In his remarks, President Trump stated:
“Also with us are several other brave Americans whose lives were rocked by online harassment, including Francesca Manny, as well as a South Carolina state representative, Brandon Guffey and his family who lost their son to suicide after he was targeted in an internet extortion scam… I want to thank you both for your incredible work, and to reach this important day could you stand up please. Thank you. Thank you very much. Great job. I read about it thank you very much.”
Guffey, representing Rock Hill, has been an advocate for stronger protections against online exploitation following his son’s death. He has also filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company’s platforms facilitated the scam that led to his son’s suicide.
The “Take It Down Act,” co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), passed the House with a 409-2 vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate. First Lady Melania Trump, who championed the bill as part of her “Be Best” initiative, emphasized its importance in protecting children from online abuse.
While the law has received broad support from advocacy groups and industry leaders, some digital rights organizations have expressed concerns about potential implications for privacy and free speech.
The enactment of the “Take It Down Act” represents a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by technological misuse and online exploitation.
