Trump Signs 'Take It Down Act' for Better Protection Against Deepfakes and Revenge Porn
Washington, dinsdag, 20 mei 2025.
On 20 May 2025, President Donald Trump signed the ‘Take It Down Act’, a law that criminalises the publication of non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. The law requires platforms to respond to removal requests within 48 hours and imposes criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Melania Trump played a significant role in promoting this law in Congress. This legislation, unanimously approved by the Senate, underscores the importance of human rights and privacy amid the growing threat of technology. However, critics warn of potential abuse of this law. The legislation directly responds to numerous cases of harm caused by revenge porn and falls within the broader trend of heightened security measures against technological exploitation.
AI’s Role in Fake News: Falsifying Reality
The rise of AI has led to a new wave of digital challenges, particularly in the form of deepfakes. This technology utilises advanced algorithms to create realistic fake videos and images that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Deepfakes have been deployed in both politics and entertainment, with well-known figures appearing to say or do things on video that they never actually said or did [1][2]. President Trump signed the ‘Take It Down Act’, partly in response to these malpractices, emphasising the danger of AI-based disinformation [1].
Combating Fake News with AI
While AI can contribute to the problem of fake news, it also forms part of the solution. Advanced AI algorithms are utilised to detect patterns indicating manipulation or false information. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook employ AI models to identify and remove harmful content before it can spread widely [3][4]. However, it is an ongoing race; developers of deepfakes are improving their techniques, leading to a continuous evolution of detection technology [4].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The rise of automated misinformation can severely undermine public trust in media and poses a threat to democracy. Fake news can increase polarisation and taint public debate, leading to erroneous decisions by voters [5]. Initiatives like the ‘Take It Down Act’ signed by Trump are crucial to protect citizens from such technology-driven manipulations [1]. However, there is a need for broader public awareness campaigns to enhance media literacy and better equip users against disinformation [5].
Practical Tips for Recognising Fake News
For news consumers, it is important to be alert to potential fake news. Some practical tips include: Verify the source of information and be sceptical of sensational headlines without clear source attribution. Check the publication date and compare the information to trusted news sources. Also, watch for irregularities in video or image quality that may indicate manipulation. Finally, be aware of one’s own biases that can influence the perception of external information [6][7].