The Take It Down Act

The Take It Down Act is a bill that aims to combat the spread of non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and has just passed the Senate. If enacted, the bill would create criminal penalties for people who share non-consensual intimate imagery and force platforms to take it down within 48 hours of a report or face financial penalties.

Non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes, is a real and devastating problem on the internet. It can ruin people's lives, and AI is making it worse. There are many good reasons to pass a bill like this, but critics argue that giving the Trump administration new powers over speech could be a mistake.

Criticism of the Trump Administration's Stance

Critics, including Verge policy editor Adi Robertson, argue that the Trump administration is likely to wield a law like this against its enemies, rather than applying it equally. The administration has a history of selectively enforcing laws and targeting its critics. This has led to concerns that the bill could be used to silence critics and stifle free speech.

The Trump administration's ties to tech companies, including Elon Musk's X, have also raised concerns. Musk's company has been accused of spreading non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes. Critics argue that the administration may use the bill to protect its friends and allies, rather than applying it equally.

Conclusion

The Take It Down Act is a well-intentioned bill, but its passage has raised concerns about the Trump administration's stance on free speech. Critics argue that giving the administration new powers over speech could be a mistake, as it may be used to attack speech and speech platforms the administration dislikes. As the bill moves forward, it is essential to consider these concerns and ensure that any legislation is applied equally and does not stifle free speech.