Take It Down Act Enforced: X Launches New 48-Hour Reporting Tools

Social media platform X began directing users to new reporting tools for content covered by the federal Take It Down Act, which took effect on May 19, 2026, for platform compliance requirements.

X’s Safety account stated there is “no place in our society for predators to share intimate photos and videos of others without their consent.” 

There is no place in our society for predators to share intimate photos and videos of others without their consent. X has zero tolerance for non-consensual intimate images, unwanted sexual content, or any kind of exploitative behavior. We have never allowed such behavior on X and…

— Safety (@Safety) May 18, 2026

The Take It Down Act, also known as the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act (S. 146), prohibits the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of identifiable individuals, including both authentic images and computer-generated “digital forgeries,” such as AI deepfakes.

It applies to depictions where publication is intended to, or does, cause harm to an adult without consent, or where an adult had a reasonable expectation of privacy in authentic images. For minors, it covers depictions intended to abuse, harass, or arouse sexual desire. Violators face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, with mandatory restitution.

Covered platforms — websites, online services, or applications primarily providing forums for user-generated content — must establish a notice-and-removal process. Upon a valid request from the depicted individual, they must remove the content and make reasonable efforts to remove known identical copies within 48 hours. The Federal Trade Commission enforces this provision, treating noncompliance as an unfair or deceptive act or practice with potential civil penalties up to $53,088 per violation.

The Dallas Express previously reported on the bill’s progress as it targeted AI deepfake exploitation, noting its introduction by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and co-sponsorship by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The legislation was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate in February 2025 and by a vote of 409-2 in the House in April 2025.

The Act clarifies that consent to create an image does not constitute consent to its publication. It addresses rising concerns over “revenge porn” and deepfakes, which have affected victims, including teenagers, often causing significant emotional distress.

Supporters, including First Lady Melania Trump, who advocated for the bill, highlighted its role in protecting children and families from digital exploitation. Sen. Cruz described it as a “historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse.”

The criminal prohibitions took effect upon signing in 2025, while platform compliance obligations began on May 19, 2026. The FTC has advised companies on implementation and plans to vigorously enforce.

X stated it has invested in automation and external partners to address known nonconsensual intimate imagery proactively. The platform’s announcement aligns with its long-standing policies against such content.

The law defines covered platforms to exclude broadband providers, email, and certain preselected content services where interactive features are incidental.