Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), August Pfluger (R-TX), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) reintroduced the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Network (TAKE IT DOWN) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill protects victims of real and deepfaked non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and prohibits bad actors from distributing naked photos of children with the intent to harass, abuse or degrade them, or for sexual gratification.
The internet is awash in NCII, in large part from new generative artificial intelligence (AI). We are also experiencing a terrifying rise in child sexual abuse material online. We must act now to defend victims, many of whom are women and girls.
“As AI becomes more ubiquitous in our lives, it is essential that we safeguard survivors of explicit deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) that often devastate girls and women,” Rep. Dean said. “Whether their attackers used deepfake technology or a simple camera, victims deserve federal protection and the peace of mind that these images are removed from the Internet. I’m thankful to work with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers on a commonsense bill that will better protect Americans and meaningfully regulate AI.”
“While artificial intelligence is paving the way for a golden age of prosperity for all Americans, bad actors are abusing it to extort innocent people with unauthorized deepfake porn,” said Rep. Salazar. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is Congress’ best shot to stop these offenders from hurting more people, protect victims, and hold online platforms accountable.”
The TAKE IT DOWN Act would protect and empower children and victims of real and deepfake NCII, while protecting lawful speech. Specifically, the bill:
- Bans the publication of NCII or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce;
- Prohibits the distribution of nude images of children with the intent to harass or degrade them, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
- Permits certain good faith disclosures of NCII, including reports intended for law enforcement or medical treatment; and
- Requires websites to take down photos and videos within 48 hours of a victim’s report.
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), led the introduction of the Senate companion bill in the 118th Congress, and again this Congress. In the 118th Congress, TAKE IT DOWN passed in the Senate, but did not advance through the House or to the President’s desk.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act is supported by over 100 different organizations and advocacy groups. A full list can be found here.
To read the full text of the legislation, click here.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
###
