The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has intensified enforcement of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, issuing warning letters to multiple online platforms and AI-powered “nudify” services over alleged noncompliance with new federal requirements aimed at removing nonconsensual intimate images from the internet.
The FTC said the law, which officially became enforceable on May 19, 2026, requires covered platforms to provide users with a clear process to request the removal of intimate photos or videos shared without consent. Under the legislation, companies must remove the content and known identical copies within 48 hours of receiving a valid request.
The agency confirmed it has sent warning letters to 12 companies operating so-called “nudify” tools. These AI-powered services can digitally manipulate clothed images to generate fake sexualized content without an individual’s consent.
According to the FTC, the companies appeared to be violating the TAKE IT DOWN Act by failing to provide victims with a mechanism to request the removal of such content from their platforms.
FTC Says TAKE IT DOWN Act Compliance Is Mandatory
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson said the agency plans to take an aggressive approach toward enforcement, particularly in cases involving children and AI-generated abuse content.
“Today we’re demonstrating just how serious we are about protecting the public, especially children, from abusive online conduct,” Ferguson said. “Platforms no longer have any excuses. They must comply with their obligations under the TAKE IT DOWN Act or face the consequences.”
The FTC warned that companies failing to comply with the law could face legal action and civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act was signed into law in May 2025 by Donald Trump after being championed by Melania Trump. The legislation provided businesses with a one-year compliance period before enforcement officially began this month.
FTC Launches Complaint Portal for Victims
As part of the rollout, the FTC also launched a new reporting portal, TakeItDown.ftc.gov, allowing victims and survivors to submit complaints against platforms that fail to remove nonconsensual intimate images or do not provide a proper reporting process.
The portal is designed to help individuals report cases involving revenge pornography, AI-generated intimate images, and other forms of digital exploitation.
FTC officials said the website will support enforcement efforts by collecting complaints directly from victims affected by noncompliant platforms.
Ferguson stated that AI-generated exploitation has become an increasing concern for regulators and families alike.
“In the age of AI, anyone can be targeted, and that becomes even more appalling if children are involved,” Ferguson said. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act empowers families and provides the FTC with an effective tool to protect minors against this form of abuse.”
Major Tech Platforms Also Warned
Before the enforcement deadline, the FTC also contacted several major technology companies to remind them of their obligations under the TAKE IT DOWN Act.
The letters were sent to companies including Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Reddit, TikTok, Snapchat, and X, among others.
The agency also issued compliance guidance for businesses to help platforms establish removal procedures and meet the 48-hour takedown requirement.
The FTC’s latest actions reflect growing regulatory concern over AI-generated abuse content and the increasing use of digital manipulation tools that can create realistic fake intimate images.
Rising Focus on AI-Generated Exploitation
The enforcement of the TAKE IT DOWN Act comes amid rising global concern about deepfake abuse, online extortion, and nonconsensual image sharing powered by artificial intelligence.
Cybersecurity and online safety experts have repeatedly warned that AI-generated exploitation tools are becoming easier to access, allowing malicious actors to create convincing fake images with minimal technical knowledge.
Regulators are increasingly focusing on how platforms respond to these threats, particularly when victims struggle to remove harmful content quickly.
With enforcement now underway, the FTC signaled that companies failing to implement clear reporting and takedown processes could face significant legal and financial consequences under the new law.
