Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Maria Elvira Salazar and various victim advocates, have called on the House to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated images known as "deepfakes." The bill mandates that social media platforms and websites remove such content within 48 hours upon notification from victims.

The Senate has already passed the bill unanimously. Companion legislation introduced by Representatives Salazar and Madeleine Dean is pending in the House. Nearly 90 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders, support this initiative.

Senator Cruz emphasized the bipartisan support for the bill: "[The TAKE IT DOWN Act] has passed the Senate unanimously. 100 to nothing... Every single Democrat in the Senate supported it. Every single Republican in the Senate supported it."

Senator Klobuchar highlighted its importance for privacy protection: "This work is about building a future... Fewer Americans will have their lives turned upside down if we can get this done."

Representative Salazar expressed her commitment: “I commit to work very hard in the House... we’re going to put all the effort, energy and interest into making this law.”

Victims and advocates shared personal stories underscoring why they believe passing this act is crucial. Ms. Elliston Berry stated, "It is so healing and so validating to know that my story is relevant... thanks to the TAKE IT DOWN Act, we are able to give victims a voice."

Ms. Francesca Mani urged Congress members: “We need swift and decisive action... Without it, we remain vulnerable.”

S.C. State Rep. Brandon Guffey noted his personal connection as a father of a victim: “If my son would have had something like the TAKE IT DOWN Act in place... I want to urge the House to pass this bipartisan bill.”

Ms. Breeze Liu discussed technological solutions: “This is why the Take It Down Act matters... The same technology that created this problem can also power its solution.”

Attorney Samantha McCoy shared her experience with revenge pornography: “Had this legislation been in place at the time of my case... That is why I am calling on House leadership to pass [it] immediately.”

Advocates argue that passing this legislation will protect survivors of image-based sexual abuse while holding perpetrators accountable.