Statement on the Signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act
Bipartisan legislation would criminalize the non-consensual publication of deepfakes and require social media companies to remove these images from their platforms
SAN FRANCISCO, May 19, 2025 — Common Sense Media founder and CEO James P. Steyer released the following statement on the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act:
"Common Sense Media thanks Senators Cruz and Klobuchar, as well as Representatives Salazar and Dean, for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to adding new protections for those most at risk online. The signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act marks our nation's first federal law to protect kids, families, and others in the AI era. As companies rush to embed AI into products we use every day, this new law is a much-needed first step, and it's worth celebrating.
"However, it is also a reminder that Congress has passed only one AI safety law and has yet to address the technology's privacy implications, the dangers of AI companions, or even require foundational guardrails to ensure the safe and effective development of this rapidly evolving technology. Meanwhile, state legislatures and governors have acted as the laboratories of democracy, serving as sentinels on the ground and tailoring legislation to quickly respond to their residents' unique needs.
"A responsible approach to AI requires work at both the state and federal levels. Yet even as the President signs into law this critical AI legislation, House Republicans are moving quickly on a budget bill that would ban the enforcement of state-level AI laws for the next decade. This is not only an illegitimate item to add to the budget reconciliation bill, but also an outrageous gift to the AI industry that they have been dreaming of: no rules, no accountability, and total control.
"As we mark this moment of progress on AI safety, congressional leaders must redouble, not reverse, their efforts to protect kids and families. Common Sense Media urges Congress to reject this reckless proposal in the budget bill and instead to work together on responsible AI policy that will ensure kids can safely thrive in today's digital world."
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 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.