US Law Requires Platforms to Remove Nonconsensual Intimate Images

Starting May 19, 2026, U.S. tech platforms are legally required to provide mechanisms for reporting and removing nonconsensual intimate images (NCII), thanks to the Take It Down Act. This law, supported by First Lady Melania Trump and passed with bipartisan backing, applies to a wide range of online services including social media, gaming, and AI platforms. Platforms must allow users to submit takedown requests with information like a link to the content, a statement confirming lack of consent, a signature, and contact details. Platforms have 48 hours to verify and remove the content if the request is valid, including identical copies. Some companies, like Meta, Microsoft, Google, Reddit, TikTok, Snap, LinkedIn, Epic Games, Roblox, and Bumble, have established dedicated forms or updated reporting systems. However, some companies were slower to respond or failed to provide clear instructions, and a few, like X Corp., Proton AG, and Verizon, did not respond to inquiries. Experts emphasize that accessible, user-friendly reporting forms are critical, particularly for teenagers or non-legal audiences, who may struggle with complex compliance language. Industry tools like StopNCII are used to help detect and remove abusive content, but consistent enforcement and user support remain key challenges.