Tue May 20 01:50:05 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summary of the provided text, written from the perspective of *The Hindu*, an Indian newspaper:
**Headline: US President Signs “Take It Down Act,” Aimed at Curbing Revenge Porn**
**Washington D.C., May 20, 2025 (PTI) -** U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside First Lady Melania Trump, has signed into law the “Take It Down Act,” a bill designed to combat the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery online, commonly known as “revenge porn.” The legislation, championed by Melania Trump, establishes stricter federal penalties for publishing or threatening to publish such images, including AI-generated “deepfakes.”
The Act mandates that websites and social media companies remove offending content within 48 hours of a victim’s request and take steps to prevent the re-uploading of duplicates. While many U.S. states already have laws against revenge porn, this represents a significant federal intervention into internet content regulation.
The bill, sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, garnered widespread bipartisan support in Congress. However, it has also faced criticism from free speech advocates who argue that its broad scope could lead to censorship of legitimate content, including legal pornography and LGBTQ+ material. Concerns have also been raised about potential government overreach in monitoring private communications.
Melania Trump has been a vocal advocate for the legislation, citing the devastating impact revenge porn has on victims, particularly young women. Her involvement continues her “Be Best” campaign, which focuses on children’s well-being, social media usage, and opioid abuse. President Trump, during his speech to Congress in March, expressed his own interest in the law, humorously noting that he also feels unfairly treated online.
The passage of the “Take It Down Act” marks a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding online privacy and freedom of speech in the United States. Its impact on internet companies and the broader online landscape will be closely watched in India, where similar discussions regarding digital safety and content regulation are gaining momentum. The legislation also serves as a reminder of the growing global concern surrounding the misuse of technology and the need for effective measures to protect individuals from online harm.
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