Take It Down Act and What Parents Need to Know

Take It Down Act and what Parents need to know about this U.S. Law protecting children from deepfakes and online exploitation

In today’s digital world, one wrong click or share can have lifelong consequences. That’s why the recently passed Take It Down Act in the United States is so important. It applies not just to families in America but to parents everywhere who are raising children in an age of AI, deepfakes, and viral content.

What Is the Take It Down Act?

The Take It Down Act is a new U.S. federal law that makes it a criminal offense to knowingly share intimate images of someone without their consent, including both:

Real photos or videos, and
AI-generated deepfakes that look real and depict someone without their permission.

This includes content that was never meant to be public, such as private images that someone shares out of trust, only for that trust to be broken.

Why This Matters to Parents

The law was inspired by real stories, like that of Elliston Berry, a 14-year-old high school student whose face was used in deepfake pornography. Her courage in speaking up helped push lawmakers to act.

As parents, it’s heartbreaking to think that our children could be victims of such abuse. But we also have to acknowledge the reality: with the rise of AI tools and the speed at which content spreads, one viral video or image can change a child’s life forever.

What Does the Law Actually Do?

Criminalizes the online sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including real and AI-generated content.
Clarifies that consent to take a photo does not mean consent to share it online.
Requires social media platforms to remove NCII within 48 hours after a valid request from the victim.
Mandates platforms to also attempt removal of all duplicate content.
Places enforcement in the hands of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Why This Law Matters Beyond the U.S.

Now, you might be thinking that this is a U.S. law, so why should it concern me as a British, Nigerian (or African) parent?

Here’s the thing: most of the platforms our children use, whether TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or YouTube, are owned by U.S.-based companies. That means these global tech giants often follow U.S. laws when shaping their policies, no matter where their users are.

most of the platforms our children use, whether TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or YouTube, are owned by U.S.-based companies. That means these global tech giants often follow U.S. laws when shaping their policies, no matter where their… Share on X

When the U.S. passes a law like the Take It Down Act, it sends a clear message to these companies to take abuse and exploitation seriously. So even if you’re not in the U.S., this law can still impact how quickly harmful content gets removed, and how seriously platforms take your child’s safety.

What You Can Do as a Parent

This is a great time to talk with your children about consent, privacy, and the power of their digital choices. They need to know how easily trust can be broken online—even by someone they think they know.

It’s also important to educate them about deepfakes. Many children still don’t fully understand how AI can be used to create fake but damaging content that looks real.

Make sure they know their rights. If anything ever happens, they should act quickly—report it, speak up, and know they don’t have to face it alone.

And finally, watch for changes in their mood or behavior. Sometimes, withdrawal or anxiety can be a sign that something isn’t right online. Stay curious, stay connected.

Final Thoughts

The Take It Down Act is more than just a law, it’s a sign of the times. It shows that AI-generated abuse is finally being taken seriously.

As parents, we need to be informed, proactive, and supportive. Our children are growing up in a world we don’t fully understand. However, we must get up to speed fast, and we have to stay ahead of the curve and keep abreast. These platforms are global, and as such, a child sitting in Lagos can be subject to the law in the US.