In a significant move to combat the growing threat of non-consensual intimate imagery, commonly known as revenge porn, First Lady Melania Trump made a rare solo appearance on Capitol Hill on March 3, 2025. She advocated for the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” a legislative proposal aimed at criminalizing the distribution of intimate images without consent, including those generated by artificial intelligence, known as deepfakes.
During a roundtable discussion with lawmakers and online safety advocates, Mrs. Trump expressed deep concern over the impact of malicious online content on teenagers, especially young girls. She described it as “heartbreaking” to witness youths grappling with the fallout from such exploitation and emphasized the necessity of providing a safe online environment for them. She urged Congress to prioritize the well-being of young people by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate the hostile digital landscape.
The “Take It Down Act,” sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), seeks to make it a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate imagery online without an individual’s consent. The bill mandates that social media platforms remove such content within 48 hours of a victim’s request and take steps to prevent its reappearance. Violators could face up to three years in prison if the material involves a minor and two years if it involves an adult.
Mrs. Trump’s public support for the legislation could play a pivotal role in advancing the bill through the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The Senate had unanimously passed the bill by voice vote in February, and House Republican leaders have expressed their intention to move it forward.
The First Lady’s advocacy aligns with her ongoing commitment to online safety, a focus she championed during her husband’s previous term through her “Be Best” initiative. Her involvement in promoting the “Take It Down Act” underscores her dedication to protecting young people from online exploitation and fostering a safer digital environment.
The proposed legislation has garnered support from major technology companies, including Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s communications director, Andy Stone, stated that the company backs efforts to prevent the sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery and supports the bill’s objectives.
However, some digital privacy experts have raised concerns about potential implications for user privacy and freedom of expression. They caution that the bill’s provisions could lead to unconstitutional censorship and have a chilling effect on free speech.
As the “Take It Down Act” progresses through the legislative process, it represents a critical effort to address the challenges posed by the misuse of technology in violating personal privacy. Mrs. Trump’s advocacy highlights the importance of bipartisan collaboration in safeguarding individuals, particularly the youth, from the harms of non-consensual intimate imagery in the digital age.
Image by DoD News
