First Lady Melania Trump is calling on Congress to pass the “Take It Down Act” that looks to protect victims of “revenge pornography (revenge porn)” and legally punish offenders.
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On Monday (March 3), Melania Trump made her first solo public appearance since resuming the role of first lady on January 20.
She marched up Capitol Hill for a bill that would make it a federal crime to post intimate images online. The bill would criminalize offenders whether the imagery is real or AI-generated “deepfakes” (aka fake images). Trump said it was “heartbreaking” to see what teenagers, especially young girls, go through after others victimize them.
First Lady Melania Trump ‘Heartbroken’ Over Teenage ‘Revenge Porn’ Victims, Pushes For ‘Take It Down Act’
While lobbying on Capitol Hill, Trump called on the Republican-controlled Congress to put these young victims first. She said:
“The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families, and communities. It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content like deepfakes.
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. Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm.
I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. Surely as adults, we can prioritize American children ahead of partisan politics. I urge Congress to prioritize the passage of the Take It Down Act. This legislation is essential for addressing the growing concerns related to online safety, protecting individual rights, and promoting a healthier digital environment.”
A study, conducted by the nonprofit Thorn, found that 1 out of 8 young people personally knew someone who has been the target of a deepfake pornographic image. In February, the Senate passed the “Take It Down Act.” Now, with Melania Trump’s recent public support, the bipartisan bill could move through the Republican-controlled House. From there, it would move on to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he would sign it into law.
The bill was introduced by chief sponsors Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Florida) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pennsylvania) are also listed.
Furthermore, the bill would criminalize the “publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (or ‘deepfake revenge pornography’).” It would also require social media and other websites to “place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim.” If the bill becomes law, it would require websites to remove real and “deepfake” pornography of children within 48 hours of the victim notifying them.
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