The world is increasingly grappling with the dark side of technology, where advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the creation of harmful content such as deepfakes and revenge pornography. In response to this growing concern, a new bill seeks to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate images, including those altered by AI. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, As the dark side of technology advances, these unspeakable evils become part of the culture. The law has to keep up. This legislation aims to combat the spread of harmful content and protect individuals from exploitation.
Congress Approves A Revenge Porn Bill Backed By First Lady
The TAKE IT DOWN Act, which passed unanimously in the Senate, is now awaiting approval in the House. This bill makes it unlawful to knowingly publish non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including explicit content generated by artificial intelligence. First Lady Melania Trump made her first public comments of President Trump's second term before congressional lawmakers, advocating for the passage of this bill. She urged lawmakers to address the issue of non-consensual sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated deepfakes, which can cause significant harm to individuals.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar hosted a bipartisan roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump to hear from victims of revenge and deepfake pornography. The event highlighted the urgent need for the House to pass the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act. The bill imposes strict penalties on those who publish or promote revenge porn, aligning with Melania Trump's BE BEST initiative, which focuses on child welfare and online safety.
Melania Trump-backed Revenge Porn Bill Passes House, Heads To President's Desk
On April 28, 2025, the House overwhelmingly passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, sending it to the President's desk for signature. The bill criminalizes the publication of non-consensual sexual imagery, including content created using AI, and mandates the swift removal of such material. First Lady Melania Trump expressed gratitude to GOP leadership for prioritizing the bill and praised members from both parties for their support. Her advocacy for the legislation underscores her commitment to protecting children and families from the dangers of digital exploitation.
Melania Trump's involvement in this initiative marks a significant step in her public role since returning to the White House. During the 2016 campaign, her history as a former model, including nude photoshoots, was brought into the spotlight. However, she has since defended her past work, emphasizing its relevance to her current efforts in promoting online safety. In a recent video posted on social media, she discussed her previous modeling career while promoting her new book, further highlighting her dedication to raising awareness about digital ethics and responsibility.
Melania Trump To Use First Public Remarks Of This Term To Shine A Light On Victims
First Lady Melania Trump used her first public remarks of the term to shed light on the plight of victims of deepfake and revenge pornography. Speaking at an event in Washington, D.C., she emphasized the importance of protecting young people from malicious online content. Deepfakes, powered by artificial intelligence, create deceptive videos, images, or audio recordings that can severely damage reputations and mental health. The TAKE IT DOWN Act addresses these concerns by imposing legal consequences for distributing such content without consent.
Melania Trump's public advocacy for the bill could play a crucial role in ensuring its passage through the Republican-controlled House. Her influence extends beyond legislation, as she continues to champion initiatives aimed at safeguarding children and families in the digital age. With her backing, the TAKE IT DOWN Act represents a significant step toward creating a safer online environment for all.
While some may question the timing of her renewed public presence, Melania Trump's focus on this issue reflects her genuine concern for the well-being of American families. As the only first lady to have posed nude prior to her time in the White House, she brings a unique perspective to discussions about privacy, consent, and the impact of technology on personal lives. Her efforts to combat the spread of harmful content demonstrate her commitment to fostering a more respectful and responsible digital culture.
