On Monday, the House passed the bipartisan “Take it Down Act” aimed at addressing the rising issue of deepfake pornography, garnering a 409-2 vote. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. This legislation criminalizes the publication of non-consensual sexually explicit images, including those produced by AI, and mandates that online platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification. The Senate approved the bill unanimously earlier this year, marking a significant legislative achievement for Congress.
Leaders of the initiative include Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), with First Lady Melania Trump actively promoting the legislation. In a statement, Melania Trump emphasized the bill’s role in safeguarding children’s dignity and privacy, expressing gratitude to Congress members for their support.
However, the bill has faced criticism from digital rights organizations that argue it could infringe on free speech and privacy rights. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) voiced concerns over the potential for abuse, labeling the act as a “slippery slope.”
The rise of deepfake pornography, particularly affecting youth, highlights the lack of existing federal laws to combat the issue, making it difficult to remove harmful images or hold perpetrators accountable. One notable catalyst for the legislation was the experience of Texas teenager Elliston Berry, who discovered that a classmate had circulated a fake nude image of her. This incident exposed legal gaps that prompted Berry and her mother to collaborate with lawmakers like Cruz to seek reform. Berry expressed the positive impact of sharing her story, aiming to provide a voice for others facing similar situations.
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