The **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)** is cracking down on tech companies that aren't complying with the **Take It Down Act (TIDA)**, a law designed to protect individuals from the spread of non-consensual intimate images. The agency sent letters last week to twelve major firms, putting them on notice for failing to meet the Act's requirements. ### TIDA Requirements The **Take It Down Act (TIDA)**, enacted in May 2025, mandates that online platforms provide a clear and easy process for individuals to request the removal of intimate images shared without their consent. Furthermore, these platforms are required to delete such images within 48 hours of receiving a valid request. Platforms covered under the law include websites, apps, and online services that host user-generated content or regularly publish intimate images. ### FTC Enforcement The letters sent by the FTC urge the companies to “immediately come into compliance” with the law. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $53,088 per violation. According to the FTC, targeted companies should: * Implement a clear and conspicuous notice about **TIDA** on their home page and anywhere intimate content might appear. * Simplify the request process, allowing users to request removal directly from the photo or video. * Provide an "identifying number" for each request, enabling victims to easily monitor the removal progress. **FTC** Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated, “We stand ready to monitor compliance, investigate violations, and enforce the **Take It Down Act**. Protecting the vulnerable — especially children — from this harmful abuse is a top priority for this agency and this administration.” ### Recommended Technologies The **FTC** also advised companies to use hashing or other technologies to ensure that all duplicates of harmful content are removed simultaneously. The agency suggests that tech firms share their hashes with the **National Center for Missing and Exploited Children** for images depicting minors, and with **StopNCII.org** for images of adults. Sharing these hashes across platforms can significantly limit the circulation of the images. ### Companies Targeted The letters were sent to: * **Alphabet** * **Amazon** * **Apple** * **Automattic** * **Bumble** * **Discord** * **Match Group** * **Meta** * **Microsoft** * **Pinterest** * **Reddit** * **SmugMug** * **Snapchat** * **TikTok** * **X** ### Context Enforcement of the **Take It Down Act** comes after **xAI**'s Grok chatbot faced criticism for generating millions of nudified images, highlighting the urgent need for effective regulations and platform accountability.