On May 19, 2025, the United States took a major step forward in protecting children and teens from online exploitation. President Donald Trump signed the Take It Down Act, officially criminalizing sextortion and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including deepfakes, across all 50 states.
What the Law Does
The new federal law makes it illegal to knowingly publish, or threaten to publish, explicit content of someone without their consent. This includes AI-generated images, revenge porn, and sextortion-related threats.
Platforms now have a 48-hour window to remove flagged content once a request is made. If they don’t, they face serious penalties enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Why It Matters
Sextortion cases have been on the rise, with young users often being the primary targets. The law is a response to increasing pressure from parents, educators, and advocates demanding stronger online protections for minors.
The bipartisan bill passed with overwhelming support in both chambers, signaling a shared urgency across political lines.
What Families Should Know
While this law is a powerful step, prevention remains key. At CyberSafely, we build tools that help families identify threats early—before harm escalates.
The “Take It Down” Act makes accountability possible, but your child’s safety still starts with education, monitoring, and secure digital habits.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Together, we can make the internet safer for every child.