By Charles Switzer
5:10pm PST, Mar 6, 2025
Melania Trump Takes the Lead in the Fight Against Online Harassment
For the first time since returning to the White House, First Lady
Melania Trump took a firm stand on digital abuse, addressing lawmakers and victims of online harassment at a Capitol Hill roundtable on Monday, March 3.
With a focus on revenge p*** and AI-generated deepfakes, Trump made an impassioned plea for greater protections against online exploitation particularly for young people. "I am here with you today with a common goal — to protect our youth from online harm," she declared.
Her remarks come at a pivotal moment, as
new research reveals that 1 in 4 American women have experienced online abuse, with AI deepfakes becoming an increasingly sinister tool used against them.
Here are four key takeaways from the First Lady's initiative in light of new research…
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A Bipartisan Push for Federal Protections
At the heart of Trump's advocacy is the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Sens.
Ted Cruz (R-TX) and
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
The legislation, which unanimously passed the Senate earlier this year, aims to make it a federal crime to publish or threaten to publish nonconsensual intimate imagery — including AI-generated deepfakes. If enacted, the bill would impose prison sentences of up to three years for offenders sharing explicit content involving minors and two years for content involving adults.
Additionally, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat would be required to remove such content within 48 hours of a victim's request.
Rep.
Maria Salazar (R-FL), a leading advocate in the House, emphasized the bill's necessity, stating, "No more excuses — Big Tech must act."
Women Face Alarming Rates of Online Harassment
New data highlights the urgency of the First Lady's efforts. A joint study conducted by the National Organization for Women (NOW) and Incogni found the extent to which women in America have been victims of cybercrimes due to their personal data being exposed online.
Women of color, particularly those of mixed racial backgrounds and Latina or Hispanic women, face even higher rates of abuse including
cyberbullying, hate speech and sexual harassment.
Younger women (18-34) are reportedly the most vulnerable, with incidents of doxxing, swatting and AI deepfakes deeply impacting their mental health, self-esteem and financial well-being.
Social Media's Role in the Crisis
Social media platforms have been a battleground for digital abuse, with victims often left powerless against the spread of harmful content. The Take It Down Act aims to hold Big Tech accountable by mandating the swift removal of nonconsensual imagery.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), one of the bill's supporters, emphasized that without enforcement mechanisms, social media companies will continue to turn a blind eye. Meanwhile, social media users have rallied behind Trump's call for action.
One X user wrote, "Deepfakes are ruining lives — this is not a partisan issue. Glad to see real action being taken."
Others, however, remain skeptical, with a critic noting, "This administration has fought against regulating tech in other areas — will they really go after Big Tech on this?"
Will Congress Deliver?
With bipartisan support and mounting public pressure, the Take It Down Act is expected to move forward in the House. However, the bill must navigate committee hearings before reaching a final vote. Lawmakers across party lines have acknowledged the devastating impact of AI-driven exploitation, but whether the legislation can overcome partisan gridlock remains to be seen.
As the First Lady put it, "Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themselves freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm."
