House overwhelmingly passes 'Take it Down' bill that criminalizes deepfake revenge porn

The House of Representatives on Monday overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan "Take It Down Act," which seeks to federally criminalize the publishing of computer-generated porn images and videos out of revenge and without consent. 

The Senate passed the measure, which was cosponsored last month by Texas GOP Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz and Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and President Donald Trump has promised to sign the legislation. 

The House passed the bill by a 409-2 vote. GOP Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Eric Burlison of Missouri voted against it, and nearly two dozen lawmakers did not vote, according to The Hill. It was cosponsored by Florida Republican Rep. Elvira Salazar and Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean.

First Lady Melania Trump applauded the passage of the bipartisan bill in a statement on Monday night.

“Advancing this legislation has been a key focus since I returned to my role as First Lady this past January," the first lady said. "I am honored to have contributed to guiding it through Congress."

The comment comes after Melania Trump went to Capitol Hill to help pass the legislation last month, alongside Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old high school student who was a victim of deepfake pornography. 

“Today’s bipartisan passage of the 'Take It Down Act' is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children," the first lady said. "Through this critical legislation and our continued focus with ‘Be Best,’ we are building a future where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential."

The bill now heads to Trump's desk for his signature.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.