The TAKE IT DOWN Act and the Romance Scam Prevention Act are Bipartisan Efforts that Target Internet Con Artists Preying on Women, Children, and Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–NY) is co-leading two bipartisan bills to combat the growing scourge of online exploitation: the TAKE IT DOWN Act, actively supported by First Lady Melania Trump, and the Romance Scam Prevention Act. Together, these bills address two deeply disturbing trends—the nonconsensual spread of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals through online dating scams.
“The publication of sexually exploitative images – including AI-generated deepfakes – and the exploitation of online dating app users are both emblematic of the dark side of the digital age,” said Suozzi. “As Americans increasingly turn online, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle must crack down on con artists everywhere they appear. Social media companies and online applications must alert people when a fraudster targets them and punish scammers when they succeed.”
“I applaud the First Lady for bringing attention to these issues,” Suozzi continued. “The Problems Solvers Caucus will work with her across party lines to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address these reprehensible acts.”
The TAKE IT DOWN Act, which Suozzi co-sponsored, is endorsed by both the entire Problem Solvers Caucus, of which Suozzi is co-chair, and Suozzi himself. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of 50 Members of Congress—split between Democrats and Republicans—committed to finding common ground and working together to solve the country’s most complicated problems. By endorsing this legislation, the entire Caucus has committed to voting for it when it comes to the floor.
The bill criminalizes the publication or threat to publish nonconsensual intimate imagery—whether real or AI-generated. It also requires websites to remove such content within 48 hours of notification by a victim. The legislation specifically targets the explosion of AI deepfakes used to create fake pornographic images of women and minors, many of whom are being harassed and traumatized by images they never consented to.
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced companion legislation to the TAKE IT DOWN Act.
The Romance Scam Prevention Act, co-led by Suozzi, mandates that online dating platforms inform users when they have interacted with someone banned for fraud. This empowers potential victims with vital information before they may face financial or emotional exploitation. It also mandates that dating services provide clear warnings against sending money or financial information to other users. The Federal Trade Commission reported that “romance scams” resulted in the loss of $1.1 billion in 2023 alone.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) have introduced companion legislation to the Romance Scam Prevention Act.
Suozzi, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, has consistently pushed for legislation that defends personal dignity and to close loopholes that allow abuse. He emphasized that these measures put decency, privacy, and accountability at the forefront of modern digital life.
Both bills have garnered bipartisan support and reflect a growing consensus in Congress that the law must keep pace with technology to protect the American people.