Starting Tuesday, major tech companies including Los Angeles County-based Snapchat and TikTok must begin enforcing the Take It Down Act, a law requiring platforms to remove intimate photos or videos shared online without victims’ consent or face fines and a federal investigation.
As part of its enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission has launched TakeItDown.ftc.gov, a website allowing victims and survivors to submit complaints about platforms that have failed to act on valid requests for the removal of non-consensual intimate images.
The website also accepts complaints about platforms that have failed to create a process for people to request removal of the images.
“Thanks to first lady Melania Trump’s dedication, the public, especially children, will have recourse against digital exploitation and extortion,” FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson said in a statement.
“In the age of AI, anyone can be targeted, and that becomes even more appalling if children are involved,” he said. “The Take It Down Act empowers families and provides the FTC with an effective tool to protect minors against this form of abuse.”
Ferguson sent letters last week to major platforms — including Santa Monica-based Snapchat, Culver City-based TikTok, as well as Meta, Google and X, reminding them of their obligation to comply fully with TIDA no later than Tuesday.
A key provision of TIDA requires platforms to give people a mechanism to request the removal of intimate photos, videos or AI-generated “digital forgeries” posted online without their consent and to remove those intimate images within 48 hours of a victim’s notice, or risk fines and an FTC investigation, the agency said.
The law applies to a range of apps and online services, including social media and gaming platforms.
Backed by Melania Trump, TIDA passed last year with bipartisan support.