When Amanda (pseudonym) had nude images of her leaked online, it was only the beginning of a lifetime of trauma. This is how she describes the continued impact of the experience:
“PTSD and dropping out of college — looking at my own face in the mirror is triggering, showering is triggering, changing clothes, even just trying to go to the bathroom. When I’m not having flashbacks, I’m stuck with brain fog. I was left unable to comprehend my classes, which led to me dropping out.
Amanda is only one of countless survivors of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). IBSA is a rampant form of sexual violence which includes the non-consensual creation, distribution, or any use of sexual images. It wreaks havoc on the lives of survivors.
But this week, a beacon of hope has shone through. A critical bill combatting image-based sexual abuse has taken a major step forward!
The TAKE IT DOWN Act Unanimously Passes the Senate
On Thursday February 13, the TAKE IT DOWN Act unanimously passed the Senate, for the second year in a row! Sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a powerful response to the exploitation survivors face online.
While the TAKE IT DOWN Act received overwhelming bipartisan support last year, the congressional session unfortunately ended before it could become law. Now, we have a second chance to bring real protection and justice to survivors of IBSA. This year must be the year the TAKE IT DOWN Act becomes law.
What Does the TAKE IT DOWN Act Do?
The TAKE IT DOWN Act combats the epidemic of IBSA in two key ways:
- Criminalizes the Publication of IBSA: The bill makes it a crime to publish sexual images without the depicted person’s consent—including realistic AI-generated images of a person (i.e. AI-generated IBSA, commonly called “deepfake pornography”). It also clarifies that consenting to the creation of an image does not equate to consenting to its publication. So, for example, a boyfriend posting his girlfriend’s nudes online could still be held accountable under this act, even if the nudes were initially created consensually.
- Mandate Quick Removal by Tech Companies: Social media platforms and other websites would be legally required to remove IBSA within 48 hours of a survivor requesting its removal. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove any duplicate images of the one reported.
Together, We Can Make This the Year of Change
Survivors, like Amanda, are counting on us to make sure this Act moves forward and becomes law. This is our chance to turn the tide against image-based sexual abuse and ensure justice for everyone affected.
The Senate has spoken. Now it’s the House’s turn.
Take action now—call on your House representatives to support the TAKE IT DOWN Act!
