Having someone share an intimate photo or video of you online without your consent can be stressful and overwhelming. These images, including AI-generated deepfakes, can spread quickly and cause real and lasting harm. That’s why Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act – and why the FTC is holding platforms accountable under the law.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act now requires covered platforms – like social media, messaging, and image or video sharing apps and sites – to offer a way for you to request the removal of intimate photos or videos shared online without your consent. But that’s not all. Platforms must remove the intimate photos or videos, and known identical copies, within 48 hours of your request. The law applies to real images, digitally altered images, and deepfakes created with artificial intelligence.
Only platforms can actually remove intimate photos and videos shared without your consent, but it’s the FTC’s job to make sure those platforms are complying with the TAKE IT DOWN Act. But we need your help to keep covered platforms accountable. If a covered platform violates the Act, tell the FTC at TakeItDown.ftc.gov. You can report a platform that doesn’t take down a nonconsensual intimate image (or identical copies) within 48 hours of your request. You can also report a platform if you can’t find their removal request process or if it’s broken. Submit a report to the FTC if you or your child appear in the intimate image. You can also submit a report on behalf of someone else if they’ve given you permission.
If a covered platform violates the Act, the FTC wants to know. If someone shares an intimate image of a minor or an image of you without your consent, that’s a crime. Report the perpetrator to local criminal law enforcement as well as the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
