In a decisive bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Take It Down Act, a landmark bill aimed at protecting children and young adults from non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and online exploitation. The bill passed the Senate earlier this year and now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.
The legislation marks one of the most significant federal efforts to address the growing threat of malicious digital content targeting minors. It provides new tools to remove unauthorized imagery from online platforms, strengthens penalties for offenders, and enhances protections for victims of digital abuse.
First Lady Melania Trump, who made passage of the bill a central focus after returning to the White House in January, celebrated the House action.
“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Take It Down Act is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children,” Mrs. Trump said. “Through this critical legislation and our continued focus with ‘Be Best,’ we are building a future where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Mrs. Trump has been a longtime advocate for online safety, and in March, hosted a high-profile roundtable on Capitol Hill with lawmakers, survivors of NCII, and internet safety advocates to push for swift passage of the bill. During the event, she called for stronger protections in an increasingly data-driven world and highlighted the dangers of deepfake technology.
The Take It Down Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this month before advancing to the full House for a vote. The Senate passed its version of the bill in February, with President Trump voicing his support during his 2025 Address to a Joint Session of Congress.
The First Lady credited bipartisan cooperation in Congress for the bill’s success and thanked House Republican leadership for expediting its consideration. She also praised members of both parties who voted in favor of the measure.
The bill’s passage represents a significant milestone for the White House’s broader efforts to bolster online protections for young Americans. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law later this week.