The U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, in collaboration with international partners, have seized two websites notorious for distributing nonconsensual AI-generated pornographic content. This action marks the first significant enforcement under the federal TAKE IT DOWN Actsigned into law in May 2026.
The seized domains, and were found to host thousands of AI-generated images and videos depicting women as nude or engaged in sexual activities without their consent. The operation highlights a growing global effort to combat the exploitation of women through deepfake technology.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act and Its Impact
The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the publication of sexually explicit digital forgeries of identifiable adults without their consent. This legislation, championed by First Lady Melania Trumpprovides federal authorities with the tools necessary to address the abuse and exploitation facilitated by deepfake technology.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the significance of the domain seizures, stating, “These domain seizures mark a significant victory in the fight against deepfake pornography.” The legislation targets content that is not a matter of public concern and is intended to cause harm or does cause harm.
International Cooperation and Investigative Efforts
The investigation began after Italy’s Polizia di Stato-Postal and Cybersecurity Police alerted U.S. law enforcement to the websites. American investigators worked closely with French authorities through international cybercrime cooperation agreements, including the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
On June 10, a suspect was arrested in Nice, Franceon French criminal charges. French authorities also seized cryptocurrency during the operation. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, Cybercrime Section (J3)and the French gendarmerie played crucial roles in the parallel investigation.
The Role of U.S. Authorities and Future Enforcement
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the action as “a massive win against deepfake pornography” and indicated that it would be the first of many enforcement efforts under the statute. The seized websites now display a federal notice informing visitors that the domains have been taken over by law enforcement pursuant to a court order.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva highlighted the impact of the seizures, stating, “Taking down and halted the publication of non-consensual, sexually explicit digital forgeries that harmed the women they depicted.” U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer of New Jersey emphasized the deeply personal and enduring nature of the harm caused by the distribution of victims’ images without their consent.
The case was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations office in New Jersey, with assistance from U.S., French, and Italian authorities. The operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing cybercrime and protecting victims of digital exploitation.
