Common Sense Media Applauds Passage of Legislation to Protect Kids and Families from AI-Enabled Exploitation
Bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act would criminalize the non-consensual publication of deepfakes and require social media companies to remove these images from their platforms
SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2025 — James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, released the following statement on the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act in the U.S. Congress:
"The passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a vital step towards protecting students, teachers, and families from AI-enabled exploitation.
"We know non-consensual deepfakes turn lives upside down, yet until now, there was no federal law protecting victims. By making the publication of these images and videos a federal crime and holding social media companies accountable for removing them from their platforms, this legislation helps build a safer digital environment for all.
"We commend Senators Cruz and Klobuchar as well as Representatives Salazar and Dean for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to protecting those most at risk online. As Congress continues to grapple with the broader impacts of AI safety, we urge lawmakers to coordinate efforts alongside robust AI literacy to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate emerging technologies safely and responsibly.
"We look forward to working with Congress to continue this critical work and build a digital ecosystem that is more welcoming for kids and families everywhere."
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.3 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.