How the Bipartisan “Take It Down Act” Aims to Combat the Dangers of Deepfake Pornography
- Teen Advocacy: High school student Elliston Berry shares her personal experience with deepfake exploitation, becoming a powerful voice for change.
- Legislative Action: The bipartisan Take It Down Act mandates the removal and prevention of explicit deepfake content, making such acts a criminal offense.
- Call to Action: With Senate approval, the bill now heads to the House of Representatives, aiming for passage before Christmas.
Elliston Berry’s life was upended when an innocent Instagram photo was manipulated into a graphic deepfake and shared across her high school. The 15-year-old Texan found herself at the center of a devastating cyber scheme, targeting her and other classmates. Despite the overwhelming challenge, Berry took a stand, working for nine months with lawmakers and advocates to have the harmful content removed.
Her journey to reclaim her dignity has inspired her advocacy for the Take It Down Act, a critical piece of legislation addressing the growing misuse of AI to create explicit and exploitative content.
The Take It Down Act: A Legislative Game-Changer
The bipartisan Take It Down Act, spearheaded by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, sets new standards for social media accountability. It requires:
- Immediate Removal: Platforms must promptly remove deepfake content flagged by victims.
- Prevention Tools: Social media companies must implement systems to block the posting of explicit deepfakes.
- Criminalization: Those who create or distribute explicit deepfakes face federal penalties.
“If tech companies can remove copyrighted songs within hours, they can certainly do the same for harmful deepfakes,” Senator Cruz asserted, emphasizing the need for swift action to protect victims.
A Bipartisan Push for Change
The Take It Down Act passed the Senate unanimously, a testament to the urgency and significance of the issue. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where Berry and her supporters are advocating for its swift passage before the holiday season.
“We’re urging the House to pass this bill to protect so many people,” Berry said. “The future generation is at risk. Many victims don’t have the ability to tell their stories, and this bill is for them.”
A Broader Call for Accountability
Deepfake technology, once a novelty, has become a weapon of exploitation. The Take It Down Act aims to dismantle this threat, setting a precedent for social media responsibility and victim protection. For victims like Berry, the bill is not just legislation—it’s a lifeline.
As the fight continues, Berry’s courage and determination remind us of the power of personal stories in driving systemic change. With momentum building, the Take It Down Act represents a critical step toward a safer digital future for all.