House passes bill aimed at protecting victims of deepfake and revenge porn
The US House of Representatives passed the 'Take It Down' Act, designed to combat deepfake and revenge pornography by criminalizing non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated content. First lady Melania Trump strongly advocated for the legislation, expressing concerns over the detrimental effects of malicious online content on youths, particularly girls. The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, requires social media platforms to establish procedures for removing such harmful content upon notification. The legislation had previously passed the Senate and is now awaiting President Donald Trump's signature. Melania Trump's advocacy continues her 'Be Best' platform, emphasizing the need for safe online spaces free from exploitation and harm.
The 'Take It Down' Act was passed by the US House of Representatives to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfake pornography, enhancing protections for victims of such exploitation.
First lady Melania Trump has been a vocal supporter of the bill, highlighting the severe damage malicious online content like deepfakes can cause to young people, particularly girls, and advocating for safe online environments.
The legislation, introduced by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, gained bipartisan support, with figures like Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Madeleine Dean backing the effort, illustrating a united front against digital exploitation.
The bill mandates social media and similar platforms to implement procedures for the prompt removal of non-consensual intimate images upon victim notification, aiming to curb the spread of harmful content online.
Melania Trump's involvement in promoting the bill marks her first public advocacy in her husband's second term, aligning with her 'Be Best' initiative focused on online safety and the protection of children from harmful digital interactions.
The bill's passage through the Senate in February and subsequent approval by the House signifies a legislative commitment to addressing the evolving challenges posed by AI and technology in the realm of personal privacy and safety.
Targets of AI-generated revenge porn have included prominent figures such as Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, indicating the widespread nature of the issue and the urgent need for legislative measures to protect individuals.