On Monday, the House of Representatives passed a significant bill aimed at protecting victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfake revenge porn. This legislation, known as the TAKE IT DOWN Act, was supported by both Republicans and Democrats, with 207 Republicans and 202 Democrats voting in favor of it.
The bill seeks to prohibit the online sharing of intimate images without consent, especially those created using artificial intelligence. It introduces penalties such as fines and imprisonment for those who violate these rules, particularly when the intent is to harm adults or exploit minors. Additionally, the bill mandates that online platforms must remove such content within 48 hours of a request, with the Federal Trade Commission overseeing compliance.
The Senate had previously passed the bill unanimously in February, following its introduction by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). First Lady Melania Trump played a crucial role in advocating for the bill, participating in discussions with lawmakers, survivors, and online safety advocates. During these discussions, she emphasized the need to protect young people from harmful online content.
Melania Trump stated, “This toxic environment can be severely damaging. We must prioritize their well-being by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate this hostile digital landscape.” She expressed her belief that every young person deserves a safe online space.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised the bill’s passage, highlighting its importance in combating the spread of non-consensual intimate images. He thanked Melania Trump for her leadership in driving the legislation forward.
The bill now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature to become law. Melania Trump also expressed gratitude to Congress members for their support, framing the bill as a united effort to protect children’s dignity and safety.
However, not everyone supported the bill. Two representatives, Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Eric Burlison (R-MO), voted against it. Massie raised concerns about the potential for abuse and unintended consequences of the legislation.
With the TAKE IT DOWN Act, lawmakers are taking a strong stance against the misuse of technology to exploit individuals, particularly minors, in the digital age.