Readout from First Lady Melania Trump’s Roundtable Discussion on Online Protection and the Take It Down Act

Press Releases

TLDR

This press release describes a bipartisan roundtable hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, Senator Cruz, and Rep. Salazar advocating for the Take It Down Act (S.146/H.R.633), which would allow victims to remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours. The Senate has passed the bill, and they are urging the House to do the same to combat deepfakes and protect children online.

The First Lady Melania Trump, Senator Ted Cruz, and Representative Maria Salazar hosted a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill to promote online protection for children and advocate for the passage of the Take It Down Act (S.146/H.R.633). The event brought together Members of Congress, survivors of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII), and online safety advocates.

Key points:

  1. First Lady’s Remarks: Melania Trump thanked the U.S. Senate for passing the Take It Down Act and urged the House of Representatives to do the same. She emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of young people, especially girls, in the face of challenges posed by malicious online content like deepfakes.

  2. Senator Ted Cruz’s Statement: Cruz highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Take It Down Act and its importance in empowering victims of revenge or AI-generated explicit imagery. He stressed the need for swift action by the House to send the legislation to President Trump’s desk.

  3. Advocate Testimonies:

    • Francesca Mani called for a strong federal law that would allow victims to remove harmful images within 48 hours.
    • Elliston Berry emphasized the bill’s importance in protecting American children and giving victims a voice.

Analysis:

  1. Bipartisan Support: The event did showcase bipartisan cooperation on the issue of online safety, which is a positive sign for potential legislative action. However, it’s important to note that bipartisan support doesn’t guarantee the bill’s effectiveness or address potential unintended consequences.

  2. Technological Challenges: While the Act aims to provide a mechanism for removing harmful content, the rapid advancement of AI and deepfake technology may pose ongoing challenges in implementation and enforcement.

  3. Privacy Concerns: The Act’s focus on quick removal of content (within 48 hours) could potentially lead to overreach or abuse of the system, potentially impacting free speech or legitimate content.

  4. Scope Limitations: The Act appears to focus primarily on image-based abuse, which may not address other forms of online harassment or exploitation.

  5. Implementation Questions: The roundtable discussion doesn’t provide details on how the Act would be enforced or what resources would be allocated for its implementation.

  6. Political Timing: The timing of this event, early in Trump’s second term, suggests it may be part of a broader strategy to set the administration’s agenda on tech and child safety issues.

While the Take It Down Act addresses a critical issue in online safety, its effectiveness will depend on its final form, implementation, and ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technology. The bipartisan nature of the effort is promising, but careful consideration of potential unintended consequences and privacy implications will be crucial.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, First Lady Melania Trump, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and U.S. Representative Maria Salazar hosted a roundtable on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress, Survivors of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII), and online safety advocates for a discussion focused on promoting online protection of children and passing S.146/H.R.633, the Take It Down Act.

The First Lady delivered opening remarks thanking the U.S. Senate for passing the Take It Down Act, calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to also pass the bill, and expressing her commitment to making the internet a safer platform for young Americans in the digital era.

“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,” said First Lady Melania Trump.

Following Mrs. Trump’s remarks, Members of Congress spoke and multiple survivors of NCII and advocates for online safety shared their personal stories. They joined in calling for the passage of the Take It Down Act. The Discussion addressed online protection, child well-being, and how artificial intelligence is changing the social media landscape.

Senator Ted Cruz, commented: “For victims of revenge or AI-generated explicit imagery, life can change instantly and permanently. Everyone has the right to have these disturbing images removed from the internet immediately. The bipartisan Take It Down Act empowers victims across the United States, and I am honored that First Lady Melania Trump has lent her strong voice to this cause. Her presence and advocacy are driving real action for teens and children, and her support will be crucial in advancing this bill. I am encouraged by my House colleagues who joined us today, united in their commitment to take swift action. Following the Senate’s unanimous approval, the House must act quickly to send this legislation to President Trump’s desk before more victims are left without recourse.”

Take It Down Act Advocate, Francesca Mani, said: “A strong Federal law is crucial – one that shifts power back to the victims, ensuring they can remove harmful images within 48 hours. That’s not just policy – that’s real, tangible protection. That’s Take it Down.”

Take It Down Act Advocate, Elliston Berry, said: “This bipartisan bill is meant to protect American children. Thank you to the First Lady and House leadership for understanding how important this issue is and taking time to learn about this vital piece of legislation. I share my story to give victims a voice they never had and change this horrible situation into something good.”