Maria Cantwell - Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Maria Cantwell - Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act has garnered widespread support from tech industry leaders, law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, and over 60 organizations. The legislation, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee this week, aims to criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images, including AI-generated deepfakes. It requires platforms to implement notice and takedown processes within 48 hours.
Leaders from various tech companies such as Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, Bumble, Match Group, IBM, TechNet, and Internet Works have expressed their support for the bill. Additionally, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), along with 23 other groups and the National Fraternal Order of Police, has called for its swift passage.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also supports the legislation. Editorial boards from the Seattle Times, Houston Chronicle, and Dallas Morning News have endorsed it as well.
In a letter to Senate leadership by RAINN and other organizations: “While popular celebrities like Taylor Swift have been victimized... there are countless stories of adult victims as well as teenage girls at high schools in your community... only federal legislation can reign in this growing problem...”
The National Fraternal Order of Police added: “Our agencies need clarified and expanded authorities in order to combat the ever-evolving threat posed by ‘deepfake’ technology...”
Antigone Davis from Meta stated: “Meta supports Sen. Cruz and Sen. Klobuchar’s TAKE IT DOWN Act... This bill is an important step forward in fighting this abuse.”
Fred Humphries from Microsoft remarked: “We strongly support federal legislation that will empower victims of non-consensual intimate imagery to remove harmful content…”
TikTok praised efforts to address challenges posed by AI advancements: “There is a critical need to create a uniform federal standard…”
Bumble emphasized their commitment: “For nearly a decade… we have been systematically focused on championing measures that curb online abuse…”
Christina Montgomery from IBM commented: “IBM applauds Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar for introducing legislation that would create strong criminal and civil liability…”
Carl Holshouser from TechNet stated: “TechNet members are committed to protecting the safety and security… We applaud Senators Klobuchar and Cruz for collaborating on a bipartisan solution…”
Peter Chandler from Internet Works wrote: “This important legislation would protect victims of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII)… Internet Works strongly supports the intended goal of the TAKE IT DOWN Act…”
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