The House of Representatives approved a bipartisan bill on Monday. The legislation criminalizes the unauthorized distribution of sexually explicit photos and videos, including those created using artificial intelligence, often referred to as "deepfakes." It also mandates that online platforms promptly remove such content.
The vote in favor of the bill was overwhelming, with a count of 409 to 2. This cleared the way for the President to sign the measure into law, which was anticipated to happen quickly.
The bill, titled the Take It Down Act, is designed to combat the sharing of "revenge porn." It requires social media companies and online platforms to remove these images within two days of being notified about them.
The legislation garnered support from both conservative and liberal members of both parties. It previously passed the Senate unanimously in February. The backing of the President, who referenced the bill in a recent address, likely contributed to its swift passage through Congress.
The bill, spearheaded by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, marks the first internet content law to be approved by Congress since 2018. While the primary focus is on revenge porn and deepfakes, the bill is viewed as a significant move towards regulating internet companies, which have largely avoided government oversight for many years.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
The definition of "deepfakes" needs to be clarified. The potential for abuse here is enormous.
KittyKat
This bill seems to protect the elite and the powerful, at the cost of the basic human rights of average citizens.
Eugene Alta
This will disproportionately affect smaller platforms, as established companies have the resources needed to ensure compliance!
BuggaBoom
This is going to be expensive for the platforms. Will they pass those costs onto users?
KittyKat
409 to 2? That's amazing! It shows that fighting online abuse is a priority for both parties.