Congress Crushes AI Abuse: Melania-Backed Bill Passes in Stunning 409-2 Vote

Paul Riverbank, 4/30/2025In a rare display of congressional unity, the Take It Down Act passes with overwhelming bipartisan support (409-2), addressing the growing threat of revenge porn and AI-generated explicit imagery. This landmark legislation demonstrates how pressing digital-age challenges can transcend traditional political divisions.

I've covered Congress for over two decades, and what makes this particularly noteworthy isn't just the vote count – it's the unlikely alliance that made it happen. Picture this: Ted Cruz, the conservative firebrand from Texas, working hand-in-hand with Minnesota's progressive Amy Klobuchar. Their collaboration speaks volumes about the urgency of addressing digital exploitation.

The legislation tackles a growing menace: non-consensual intimate imagery, including the emerging threat of AI-generated content. Social media platforms will now have just 48 hours to remove reported content, while both sharing and threatening to share such material becomes a federal crime.

Behind the political maneuvering lies a deeply human story. Take Elliston Berry's case – a 14-year-old whose life turned upside down when AI-generated images began circulating. His testimony in committee hearings brought home the devastating real-world impact of digital abuse.

Tech giants have lined up behind the measure, though not without some strategic positioning. Meta's Andy Stone carefully framed their support around user protection, while other platforms followed suit. But let's be clear – their backing comes as regulatory pressure mounts across multiple fronts.

Some voices are raising red flags. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns about potential overreach, suggesting platforms might err on the side of excessive content removal. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative – usually quick to embrace protective measures – has expressed concerns about implementation challenges.

Yet despite these reservations, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation sees this as a crucial first step, particularly given the rapid advancement of AI technology. They're right – we're in uncharted territory here.

What's particularly striking about this legislation isn't just its content, but what it represents. In my years covering Washington, I've rarely seen such decisive action on emerging tech threats. This could well serve as a blueprint for future digital protection measures.

The bill now sits on the President's desk, backed by an unusual coalition including First Lady Melania Trump's BE BEST initiative. It's a reminder that even in our divided times, Congress can still find common ground when confronted with clear and present dangers to American citizens.

In an era where partisan gridlock often dominates headlines, Congress just proved that some issues still unite American lawmakers. The Take It Down Act sailed through with a stunning 409-2 vote, marking a rare moment of near-unanimous agreement on Capitol Hill.I've covered Congress for over two decades, and what makes this particularly noteworthy isn't just the vote count – it's the unlikely alliance that made it happen. Picture this: Ted Cruz, the conservative firebrand from Texas, working hand-in-hand with Minnesota's progressive Amy Klobuchar. Their collaboration speaks volumes about the urgency of addressing digital exploitation.The legislation tackles a growing menace: non-consensual intimate imagery, including the emerging threat of AI-generated content. Social media platforms will now have just 48 hours to remove reported content, while both sharing and threatening to share such material becomes a federal crime.Behind the political maneuvering lies a deeply human story. Take Elliston Berry's case – a 14-year-old whose life turned upside down when AI-generated images began circulating. His testimony in committee hearings brought home the devastating real-world impact of digital abuse.Tech giants have lined up behind the measure, though not without some strategic positioning. Meta's Andy Stone carefully framed their support around user protection, while other platforms followed suit. But let's be clear – their backing comes as regulatory pressure mounts across multiple fronts.Some voices are raising red flags. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns about potential overreach, suggesting platforms might err on the side of excessive content removal. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative – usually quick to embrace protective measures – has expressed concerns about implementation challenges.Yet despite these reservations, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation sees this as a crucial first step, particularly given the rapid advancement of AI technology. They're right – we're in uncharted territory here.What's particularly striking about this legislation isn't just its content, but what it represents. In my years covering Washington, I've rarely seen such decisive action on emerging tech threats. This could well serve as a blueprint for future digital protection measures.The bill now sits on the President's desk, backed by an unusual coalition including First Lady Melania Trump's BE BEST initiative. It's a reminder that even in our divided times, Congress can still find common ground when confronted with clear and present dangers to American citizens.