Paris Hilton Advocates for DEFIANCE Act to Combat Deepfake Abuse

The emergence of deepfake technology has raised significant concerns regarding nonconsensual explicit imagery, particularly affecting women. Paris Hilton, a prominent figure who experienced the fallout from a leaked intimate video in 2003, has become a vocal advocate for legislative measures addressing this issue. The DEFIANCE Act, co-sponsored by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), aims to empower victims of deepfake pornography to sue those responsible for creating and distributing such content. The bill recently passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting a vote in the House.

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The DEFIANCE Act allows victims to pursue civil action against the creators, distributors, or commissioners of nonconsensual deepfake images. Hilton highlighted that over 100,000 nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfake images of her have circulated online, underscoring the pervasive nature of this issue. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that the bill would provide survivors with recourse and restitution, stating, “Take It Down gave us removal, and DEFIANCE will give us recourse and restitution.” The DEFIANCE Act follows the Take It Down Act, which instituted criminal penalties for the publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery and requires platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of reporting.

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The rise of AI technologies, particularly on platforms like X, has exacerbated the problem of nonconsensual deepfakes. Reports indicate that the AI chatbot Grok, integrated into X, generated over 1.8 million sexualized images of women within a short period. Despite efforts by X to restrict the creation of nonconsensual deepfakes, users have found ways to bypass these measures. Ocasio-Cortez noted that she herself has been targeted by such deepfakes, which can resurface trauma for many survivors.

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While the DEFIANCE Act has garnered bipartisan support, concerns about free speech and the implications of regulating digital content remain. Lee addressed these concerns, asserting that the bill does not conflict with First Amendment rights or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally protects online platforms from liability for user-generated content.

During a recent news conference, Hilton articulated the profound impact of deepfake abuse, stating, “Because the creation of this content parallels the same exact intention of physical assault, which is about power, domination and humiliation.” She emphasized the urgent need for legislative action, highlighting the real harm victims face, including job loss and severe emotional distress. Francesca Mani, a teenage survivor of deepfake abuse, echoed Hilton’s sentiments, advocating for accountability and consequences for perpetrators.

As the House prepares to vote on the DEFIANCE Act, lawmakers are pushing for swift action. Hilton concluded her remarks by expressing her commitment to protecting future generations, stating, “This isn’t about just technology. It’s about power. Victims deserve more than after-the-fact apologies. We deserve justice.” The outcome of this legislation could significantly impact the landscape of digital rights and protections against image-based abuse.