Ted Cruz pushes for fast-track ban on AI-generated revenge porn in Texas
Senator Ted Cruz is pushing for the swift passage of the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” which aims to criminalize the distribution of AI-generated non-consensual explicit imagery, commonly known as deepfake revenge porn. The bill mandates that online platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification by the victim.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill on December 3, 2024, and it now awaits consideration in the House. At a press conference on December 11, Cruz emphasized the urgency of the legislation, stating, “Every victim should have the right to say, ‘That is me. That is my image, and you don’t have my permission to put this garbage out there.’”
Victims like 15-year-old Elliston Berry have shared their traumatic experiences with AI-altered images circulating online without consent. Berry’s ordeal lasted nine months before intervention led to the removal of the content. Her family’s repeated attempts to have platforms act were initially unsuccessful, highlighting the need for legislative measures to protect individuals from such exploitation.
The bill has garnered support from major tech companies, including Google, Meta, and TikTok, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the pervasive issue of deepfake pornography, which constitutes a significant portion of AI-generated content online.
