San Francisco, July 27, 2024 – In a significant legislative move, the Senate has unanimously passed the Defiance Act of 2024, a bill designed to empower victims of nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes. The bill, which now advances to the House for a vote, aims to provide federal civil remedies for individuals affected by deepfake sexual abuse.
Groundbreaking Legislation
The Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (Defiance) Act of 2024 was introduced by Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C. The bill’s primary objective is to offer a federal legal pathway for victims to sue perpetrators who create, share, or receive nonconsensual deepfakes. This legislation marks a critical step in addressing the growing issue of deepfake technology being used for malicious purposes.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who is sponsoring the bill in the House, highlighted its significance as the first federal protection for victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. “Over 90% of all deepfake videos made are nonconsensual sexually explicit images, and women are the targets 9 times out of 10,” Ocasio-Cortez stated, emphasizing the urgent need for such legislation. She has also previously spoken about her personal experiences with being targeted by deepfakes.
Understanding Deepfakes
Deepfakes refer to digitally manipulated images and videos that falsely portray individuals in various scenarios, often of a sexually explicit nature. These deceptive creations typically merge a victim’s face with another person’s body, resulting in highly realistic yet entirely fabricated content. Generative artificial intelligence models are capable of producing these deepfakes, making them increasingly difficult to distinguish from genuine media.
The Defiance Act of 2024 seeks to combat this technological abuse by providing victims with a legal avenue to seek justice. The House version of the bill is currently under committee review, with supporters hoping for a swift passage.
Broader Implications
The unanimous Senate vote reflects a bipartisan commitment to addressing the misuse of AI technology. As deepfakes become more sophisticated and widespread, the need for comprehensive legal protections becomes increasingly urgent. The Defiance Act aims to deter the creation and distribution of harmful deepfake content by holding perpetrators accountable through federal civil litigation.
Future Prospects
If passed by the House, the Defiance Act will establish a crucial federal framework for protecting victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. This legislative milestone represents a proactive approach to safeguarding individuals’ rights and privacy in the digital age. The bill’s progression through Congress will be closely monitored by both legal experts and advocates for victims’ rights.
The Defiance Act of 2024 underscores the importance of legislative action in combating the misuse of emerging technologies. By providing a clear legal remedy for victims, this bill aims to curb the proliferation of harmful deepfakes and promote a safer online environment.