After years of advocacy, victims of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated deepfakes and revenge porn, now have stronger legal protections—thanks in part to First Lady Melania Trump’s dedicated efforts.
On Monday, a new federal law was enacted to criminalize the sharing and distribution of private images without consent, a major milestone in the fight against digital exploitation. During a Rose Garden ceremony, Melania Trump spoke emotionally about the toll this issue has taken on countless individuals and families across the country.
“Artificial Intelligence and social media may seem like harmless digital distractions, but they can be misused in ways that deeply harm young people,” she said. “These technologies have the power to shape perceptions and emotions—and sadly, in some cases, the consequences have been tragic.”
The First Lady highlighted the experience of 14-year-old Elliston Berry, a Texas teen whose story made national headlines after AI was used to create fake explicit images of her. Berry and her family were present at the ceremony, underscoring the personal stakes involved.
The bipartisan bill was spearheaded by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who set aside political differences to address the growing impact of NCII crimes, especially among minors and young adults. The law includes penalties of up to three years in prison for those who knowingly share intimate content without consent. It also mandates that websites remove such content within 48 hours of being notified by a victim or face civil consequences.
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