Peace Garden News

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a legislative measure cosponsored by Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota. This bill aims to address the online exploitation issue by targeting the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

Fedorchak commented on the measure, stating, “The rise of technology has made it easier than ever for private images to be misused and weaponized, often with devastating consequences for victims. No one should have their privacy violated or their life upended by malicious actions like this.”

According to Fedorchak, the Act is a necessary step that provides individuals with greater control over personal images, holds offenders accountable, and enhances online safety for users, especially minors. She expressed pride in advancing the legislation and is eager for its enactment. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a strong, commonsense step to give individuals greater control over their personal images, hold bad actors accountable, and make the internet a safer place for everyone—especially children and teens. I'm proud to have helped advance this important legislation and look forward to seeing President Trump sign it into law.”

The critical aspects of the legislation include criminalizing the publishing or threatening of Non-Consensual Intimate Images within interstate commerce and mandating internet platforms to establish an effective notice and takedown process within one year of enactment. This aims to provide victims a method to have harmful content removed.

With the House's approval, following the Senate's earlier agreement, the Act now awaits President Trump's signature to become law.