Revenge porn bill backed by Melania Trump heads to president's desk after overwhelming House vote

Fox News - Apr 29th, 2025
Open on Fox News

The House of Representatives has passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a significant piece of legislation backed by First Lady Melania Trump, with an overwhelming majority vote of 409-2. The bill addresses the nonconsensual posting of intimate images online, including deepfake nudes, and imposes mandatory restitution and criminal penalties for violators. Online platforms are mandated to remove such depictions within 48 hours upon notification. This legislation, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz and championed in the House by Rep. Maria Salazar, now awaits approval from President Donald Trump.

The passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act marks a pivotal moment in combating online exploitation and protecting victims from digital abuse. This effort aligns with Melania Trump's longstanding advocacy for children's well-being, as seen in her BE BEST campaign. The bill's successful advance is attributed to the collaborative work of lawmakers from both parties, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Madeleine Dean, and the courage of survivors whose testimonies propelled the legislative process. The act represents a proactive step in ensuring a safer digital environment, particularly for minors and vulnerable individuals, setting a precedent for future protective measures in the digital landscape.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the 'Take It Down Act,' focusing on its passage and the support it received from prominent figures like Melania Trump and Ted Cruz. It accurately conveys the bill's provisions and legislative process, offering insight into its potential impact on online exploitation. However, the article lacks balance by not addressing potential criticisms or concerns about the bill's implications for free speech and privacy. While the source quality and clarity are strong, greater transparency and inclusion of diverse perspectives would enhance the article's overall quality. The topic's timeliness and relevance to public interest are notable strengths, making it an important contribution to discussions on digital rights and online safety.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The article accurately reports the passage of the 'Take It Down Act' by the House with a 409-2 vote, which is confirmed by multiple reliable sources. It correctly states the bill's provisions, such as prohibiting nonconsensual online publication of intimate images and requiring platforms to remove such content within 48 hours. The involvement of key figures like Melania Trump and Ted Cruz is also accurately depicted. However, the article does not mention any opposition or concerns about the bill's impact on free speech or privacy, which are noted in other sources. Overall, the factual accuracy is high, with minor omissions regarding potential criticisms.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the 'Take It Down Act,' highlighting the support from Melania Trump, Ted Cruz, and other advocates. It presents the bill as a significant victory against revenge porn and deepfake abuse, emphasizing bipartisan support. However, it lacks perspectives from those who may oppose the bill or raise concerns about potential impacts on free speech and privacy. Including these viewpoints would provide a more balanced representation of the issue.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the main points about the 'Take It Down Act.' It logically presents the bill's provisions, supporters, and anticipated impact. However, the inclusion of unrelated information, such as Melania Trump's past initiatives, slightly detracts from the focus. Overall, the article is easy to understand and follows a coherent narrative.

8
Source quality

The article references credible figures such as Melania Trump, Ted Cruz, and Maria Salazar, and includes statements from advocates and politicians involved in the bill's passage. While the article does not directly cite external sources, it appears to be based on reliable information from official statements and legislative records. The lack of diverse sources or independent verification slightly affects the score, but the quality of the sources mentioned is generally high.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the bill's provisions and the legislative process, but it lacks detailed information on the methodology used to gather the information. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some claims, such as the impact on victims. Greater transparency regarding the sources of information and any affiliations of the authors would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-take-it-down-act-vote-deepfake-pornography-victims/
  2. https://19thnews.org/2025/04/take-it-down-act-house-passes/
  3. https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1BA55562-2EC5-40E2-A000-162A6825B1CB
  4. https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/melania-trump-backed-revenge-porn-bill-passes-house-heads-to-presidents-desk-take-it-down-act
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News_controversies