First Lady Melania Trump joined lawmakers Monday in a roundtable discussion on the pervasive internet problem of nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) – also known as “revenge” or “deepfake” porn.
“I am here with you today with a common goal – to protect our youth from online harm,” the first lady said in comments during the roundtable. “The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families, and communities.”
The issue should be bipartisan, noting she “expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. … Surely as adults we can prioritize America’s children ahead of partisan politics.”
The purpose of the discussion was to draw attention to legislation (S.146/H.R.633) spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Florida.
The Take It Down Act – Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act – would criminalize the publication of “revenge” or “deepfake” porn that has spread quickly online over the last several years, primarily due to artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of creating “lifelike, but fake, NCII depicting real people,” says a one-page summary of the bill.
But the first lady also used the roundtable to reignite her own “Be Best” initiative – launched during the first Trump administration – which focused on the well-being of young people, their safety online, and the dangers of cyberbullying.
In an interview with Fox News in January, the incoming first lady explained she planned to “continue” and “expand” her Be Best program, which she said suffered many obstacles during her husband’s first term.
“I didn’t have much support from anyone,” she noted. “I invited all of the streaming platforms to the White House. I had the roundtable, and I didn’t have much support from them. And imagine what we could do in those years if they will rally behind me and teach the children and protect them about social media and their mental health.”
During her remarks at the roundtable, Trump thanked the U.S. Senate for passing the bill, and urged the House of Representatives to do likewise. She also expressed her commitment to make the internet safer for young Americans.
“It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes,” the first lady said, according to a press readout:
“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.”
Cruz observed during the discussion that “life can change instantly and permanently” for those who are victims of porn.
“Everyone has the right to have these disturbing images removed from the internet immediately,” the senator said. “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.”
In the text of the legislation, the term “deepfake” refers to “a video or image that is generated or substantially modified using machine-learning techniques or any other computer-generated or machine-generated means to falsely depict an individual’s appearance or conduct within an intimate visual depiction.”
The measure would criminalize the publication of such images and require websites to take down NCII within 48 hours when notified by a victim. However, the legislation would still protect speech under the First Amendment.
