Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate Major Legal Victory with 'Take It Down Act'

      Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a recent Archewell Foundation event.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate Major Legal Victory with 'Take It Down Act'

​​By M Muzamil Shami - May 24, 2025

Overview

After facing a significant setback earlier this month regarding their security appeal in the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received uplifting news. Their non-profit organization, the Archewell Foundation, has been instrumental in advocating for online safety, particularly for children and teenagers. Their efforts have culminated in the successful passage of the Take It Down Act, a landmark legislation aimed at combating the spread of non-consensual intimate imagery online.

Archewell Foundation's Advocacy

The Archewell Foundation, established by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has long been committed to creating a safer online environment. Recognizing the growing threats posed by AI-generated deepfakes, non-consensual imagery, and sextortion, the foundation has worked tirelessly to bring about legislative change. Their advocacy has been pivotal in the enactment of the Take It Down Act, reflecting their dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals in the digital age.

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Details of the Take It Down Act

Signed into law on May 19, 2025, by President Donald Trump, the Take It Down Act criminalizes the distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including those generated by AI. Key provisions of the act include:

1. Mandatory removal of flagged content by social media platforms within 48 hours.

2. Empowerment of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce compliance.

3. Imposition of federal criminal penalties on individuals who share such content without consent.

   

This bipartisan legislation received overwhelming support in Congress, highlighting the urgent need to address the misuse of technology in perpetuating online abuse.

Statement from the Sussexes

In response to the enactment of the Take It Down Act, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressed their gratitude:

“We are thankful for the collaborative efforts that led to this significant step in ensuring online safety. This law represents a collective commitment to protect our children and communities from the harms of digital exploitation.”

They further emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

Global Implications

The passage of the Take It Down Act sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges posed by technological advancements. It underscores the necessity for international cooperation in establishing frameworks that safeguard individuals from digital abuses, particularly those involving deepfake technology and non-consensual content.

In an era where digital content can be manipulated and disseminated rapidly, what additional measures can be implemented globally to enhance online safety and protect individuals from digital exploitation?

FAQs

Q: What is the primary objective of the Take It Down Act?
A: To criminalize the distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated content, and mandate swift removal by online platforms.

Q: How does this law impact social media companies?
A: They are required to remove reported non-consensual content within 48 hours and may face penalties for non-compliance.

Q: What role did the Archewell Foundation play in this legislation?
A: The foundation actively advocated for the law, emphasizing the need to protect children and communities from online harms.