Melania Trump Supports Online Safety Bill to Combat Revenge Porn and Deepfakes

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Melania Trump made her first solo public appearance since resuming the role of first lady to lend her support to an online safety bill that aims to speed the removal of revenge porn and deepfakes from online platforms. The bill, known as the Take It Down Act, is designed to make it a federal crime to post intimate imagery online without an individual's consent and requires technology companies to swiftly remove such content. The first lady's support for the legislation could help get it through the Republican-controlled House and to President Donald Trump's desk to become law.

The Take It Down Act, sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, passed the Senate in February and is now awaiting approval from the House. The bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate imagery online without an individual's consent, including realistic, computer-generated intimate images of people who can be identified. If the bill becomes law, social media platforms would be required to remove such images within 48 hours of a victim's request and take steps to delete duplicate content. Online safety advocates and survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery have expressed their support for the bill, citing the devastating impact of revenge porn and deepfakes on individuals and communities.

Melania Trump's support for the Take It Down Act is part of her efforts to prioritize the well-being of young people and promote a healthier digital environment. During a roundtable discussion about the bill, the first lady said it was "heartbreaking" to see teenagers and especially girls grapple with the fallout after they become the targets of malicious and sexually explicit online content. She called on Congress to prioritize the well-being of young people and equip them with the support and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape. The first lady also criticized Democrats for not being more present at the event, despite the legislation being co-sponsored by Sens. Cruz and Klobuchar.

The Take It Down Act is not the only bill aimed at addressing online safety concerns. A series of other bills designed to address children's online safety also passed the Senate with bipartisan support last year, including the Kids Online Safety Act. However, that bill stalled out in the Republican-controlled House. The first lady plans to attend her husband's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, where she is expected to continue to advocate for the Take It Down Act and other online safety legislation. Revenge porn and deepfakes are serious issues that require immediate attention and action from lawmakers, and the first lady's support for the Take It Down Act is a crucial step towards creating a safer online environment for all.

Here are some key points about the Take It Down Act and its implications for online safety: * The bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate imagery online without an individual's consent * Social media platforms would be required to remove such images within 48 hours of a victim's request * The bill would also require tech companies to take steps to delete duplicate content * The legislation has bipartisan support, including from Sens. Cruz and Klobuchar * The first lady's support for the bill could help get it through the Republican-controlled House and to President Donald Trump's desk to become law * The Take It Down Act is part of a broader effort to address online safety concerns and promote a healthier digital environment for young people and communities.