Melania Trump makes rare appearance as she urges lawmakers to sign bill making ‘revenge-porn’ a federal crime
Melania Trump has made a rare appearance to urge lawmakers to crack down on so-called 'revenge porn' by making it a federal crime.
First Lady Melania Trump appeared before Capitol Hill on Monday (March 3) to push for a bipartisan bill that would tackle non-consensual pornography being shared online as well as AI-generated intimate images.
The 54-year-old former model said artificial intelligence is being used nefariously to create 'deepfake' porn images of victims without their consent and create a 'toxic' space online for young people to navigate.
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The proposed Take It Down bill would make it a crime to post and create such images and would apply pressure to technology companies to remove the content within 48 hours, the BBC reports.
In her first public appearance in the new Trump administration, the first lady told the panel: "It’s heartbreaking to witness some teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes."
The bill had already passed the Senate with bipartisan support, being brought by Republican Ted Cruz (Texas) and supported by Democrat Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota).
However, it still needs to pass through the House of Representatives before being written into law.
Melania continued: "In an era where digital interaction are integral to daily life, it is imperative that we safeguard children from mean-spirited and hurtful online behaviour."
If passed, websites and social media platforms that feature user-generated content will have to implement a 'notice and takedown process', the NY Post reports, of two days once being flagged by a victim.
Meanwhile, perpetrators who share explicit images without consent, whether authentic or with AI, could face up to three years behind bars if the material involves a minor or two years if the victim is over 18.
"By advocating this bill, Congress can take an important step towards ensuring accountability and fostering responsibly online behavior,” Melania said.
“The Take It Down Act represents our first step towards justice, healing and unity."
The mom-of-one also took aim at Democrats for what she described as failing to lend their public support towards the Act.
“I was heartened to learn that Senator Cruz and Senator Klobuchar united to prioritize this fundamental matter,” she continued. “I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat[ic] leaders with us here today to address this serious issue.
“Surely as adults, we can prioritize American children ahead of partisan politics.”
Senator Cruz, who is a father to two daughters, also said at the roundtable: "If you’re a victim of revenge porn or AI-generated explicit imagery, your life changes forever.
"Disturbingly, many of these victims are teenagers at American high schools."
Ro Khanna, Democrat (California), added: "I represent Silicon Valley. America should lead in making sure that technology protects kids and protects people. And I think this bill, as you’ve crafted it, Senator Cruz, balances the free-speech concerns with the protections.”
The panel also heard testimonies from victims of deepfake pornography, which spans from school children to adults.
Last year, fans rallied around pop star, Taylor Swift, who was one of many famous women to become a victim of AI fake nudes.
According to Politico, House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie has vowed the panel will schedule a hearing on the bill in the next few weeks.
The campaign comes as the Slovenian native usually avoids the spotlight, but occasionally speaks out on issues close to her heart.
During her husband's last term, she spoke to members of Congress about the country's foster-care system and other online schemes to protect youngsters, such as the 'Be Best' initiative which seeks to combat cyberbullying.
Topics: Melania Trump, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, US News, Donald Trump, Politics, Republicans
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