Brave Movement welcomes signing of bipartisan Take It Down Act as “a step forward in protecting all children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.”

WASHINGTON DC, 19 May 2025 – The Brave Movement – a global movement of survivors and allies working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents – has welcomed the signing into law today of the Take It Down Act.

The bipartisan legislation makes it illegal to “knowingly publish” or threaten to publish intimate images without a person’s consent, including AI-created “deepfakes.” It also requires websites and social media companies to remove such material within 48 hours of notice from a victim.

The US Congress overwhelmingly approved the bill last month, ahead of today’s signing at the White House.

Brave Movement Founder and CEO of Together for Girls, Dr Daniela Ligiero said:

“Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is an epidemic, and one growing at an exponential rate. More than 300 million children have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last year, with 10 cases of abuse reported every second. In the US alone, 1 in 9 men have offended (source: Into the Light Index).

As survivors of child sexual violence, we know its impact. We also know that violence which may start online goes beyond the screen, It impacts children in the physical world through bullying, blackmail and acts of sexual violence. 

It does not have to be this way. Social and digital media providers have totally failed to deal with this crisis - despite having the tools to do so. We urge all governments to follow this example of bipartisan cooperation and take a step forward in protecting all our children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.”

Leah Juliett, survivor and activist said:

“The Take it Down Act is a lifeline for survivors who’ve had our bodies turned into weapons against us. It forces platforms to finally act  — quickly — when our images and content are stolen and spread. This law doesn’t deliver justice, but it gives us a way to claw back some control in a system that so often leaves us powerless. It’s not enough, but it’s something, and for many, that something can mean survival.”

The U.S., home to many of the world’s leading tech companies, holds a unique global influence in shaping internet safety standards. With this legislation, the federal government signals a strong commitment to accountability and child-centered policy in the digital age.

The Act’s passage follows sustained advocacy from over 185 organizations, including the Brave Movement and Together for Girls, and is a direct response to the urgent need for enforceable, consistent protections that reflect the realities of a post-AI internet.

The signing of the Take It Down Act is a bold and necessary step toward a future where children and survivors are no longer left vulnerable in online spaces. Ensuring that digital platforms prioritize safety by design is not just a legal imperative but a moral one.

In the run-up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada in June, the Brave Movement has called on all G7 countries to prioritize online safety as part of greater leadership action in ending all violence against children.

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