First Lady Melania Trump, Senator Ted Cruz, and Representative Maria Salazar Host Roundtable on Online Protection for Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a roundtable discussion was hosted on Capitol Hill by First Lady Melania Trump, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and U.S. Representative Maria Salazar. The event brought together Members of Congress, Survivors of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII), and online safety advocates to focus on promoting online protection for children and advocating for the passage of the Take It Down Act, also known as S.146/H.R.633.
In her opening remarks, First Lady Melania Trump expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Senate for passing the Take It Down Act and urged the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit. She emphasized the importance of creating a safer online environment for young Americans in today’s digital age.
Speaking on the issue, Mrs. Trump stated, “It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes. This toxic environment can be severely damaging. We must prioritize their well-being by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate this hostile digital landscape. Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themselves freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm.”
Members of Congress, NCII survivors, and online safety advocates shared their personal stories during the roundtable discussion, highlighting the need for enhanced online protection, child well-being, and the impact of artificial intelligence on social media platforms.
Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the urgency of passing the Take It Down Act, stating, “For victims of revenge or AI-generated explicit imagery, life can change instantly and permanently. Everyone has the right to have these disturbing images removed from the internet immediately. The bipartisan Take It Down Act empowers victims across the United States, and I am honored that First Lady Melania Trump has lent her strong voice to this cause. Her presence and advocacy are driving real action for teens and children, and her support will be crucial in advancing this bill.”
Advocates for the Take It Down Act, Francesca Mani and Elliston Berry, highlighted the importance of a strong Federal law that prioritizes the removal of harmful images within 48 hours, providing tangible protection for victims of non-consensual intimate imagery.
In conclusion, the bipartisan nature of the Take It Down Act was underscored, with a call for swift action from the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk for approval. The roundtable discussion served as a platform for raising awareness and advocating for the rights and protection of American children in the digital age.
