Paris Hilton’s Capitol Push
Paris Hilton joined a bipartisan press conference at the U.S. Capitol urging the House to pass the DEFIANCE Act. She framed the issue as a modern form of abuse, highlighting how AI-generated deepfake pornography targets women and teens and can destroy lives. Hilton emphasized that the law must protect victims before the harm spreads.
What the DEFIANCE Act Would Do
The DEFIANCE Act would allow survivors to sue individuals who knowingly create, distribute, or possess nonconsensual sexually explicit AI-generated images. The bill builds on the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which focuses on content removal, by adding civil recourse and potential restitution. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, and advocates urged the House to act quickly.
Hilton’s Personal Experience
Hilton spoke about her own history with nonconsensual content, describing how it affected her life and sense of safety. She stressed that deepfakes are not just “digital images” but real-world violations that harm reputations, mental health, and personal security. She called for stronger accountability to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Survivor Voices and Advocacy
Survivors Francesca Mani and her mother, Dorota Mani, shared their experiences of digital abuse and its emotional impact. Advocates like Omny Miranda Martone also spoke, calling the issue an “epidemic” and urging lawmakers to act. The event underscored how AI ethics and privacy are becoming central to public safety.
A Call for Action
Hilton and lawmakers held signs reading “PASS THE DEFIANCE ACT,” urging Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor. The message was clear: technology is advancing faster than protections, and Congress must update the law to defend victims.
Should lawmakers consider real victim stories, like Hilton’s, when shaping deepfake legislation? What’s your take on the role of Congress in AI ethics?
Watch Paris Hilton speak at the Capitol:
