Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the scope, status, protections, and responsibilities associated with The TAKE IT DOWN Act.
Does the Act cover only AI-generated deepfakes?
No. It covers specified authentic intimate visual depictions and qualifying digital forgeries. The full definitions and exceptions in Public Law 119-12 control.
When did the platform requirements become enforceable?
The Act became law May 19, 2025. The FTC began enforcing the Section 3 platform notice-and-removal requirements on May 19, 2026.
What must a valid request include?
The statute requires a physical or electronic signature, information sufficient to identify and locate the depiction, a good-faith statement that publication was nonconsensual, and sufficient contact information.
Do I need a platform account?
No. FTC guidance says the removal-request pathway must be available to identifiable individuals even if they do not have an account on the platform.
What happens to identical reuploads?
A covered platform must make reasonable efforts to identify and remove known identical copies within the same 48-hour period.
What if the platform does not comply?
Use the FTC’s dedicated TAKE IT DOWN reporting portal. Depending on the circumstances, preserve evidence, contact law enforcement, and consult a qualified attorney.
Does a DMCA process satisfy this law?
No. Copyright takedowns and TAKE IT DOWN removal requests are distinct legal processes, even when the same content may implicate both.
Does this site submit a removal request for me?
No. Submit the request through the platform hosting the content. This site links to official reporting and support resources but does not receive or transmit removal requests.
Verify the current text
Legislation, regulations, agency guidance, and inflation-adjusted penalties can change. Use the linked official sources for the controlling and most current information.