In a groundbreaking move, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has teamed up with celebrity Paris Hilton to push for new legislation aimed at restricting the use of nonconsensual AI-generated pornography. The proposed DEFIANCE Act would establish a civil cause of action for individuals whose images are used in such exploitative content without their consent.
Ocasio-Cortez and Hilton held a press conference alongside Republican co-sponsor Rep. Laurel Lee of Florida, highlighting the urgent need for this bipartisan legislation. “Since the public release of AI tools, we have seen an absolute explosion in AI-generated images used to sexually harass victims and children,” Ocasio-Cortez stated, emphasizing that the vast majority of deepfake pornography is nonconsensual.
Hilton, who has firsthand experience with the devastating impact of leaked intimate content, echoed Ocasio-Cortez’s sentiments. “People called it a scandal,” Hilton said. “It wasn’t. It was abuse. There were no laws at the time to protect me. There weren’t even words for what had been done to me.” She stressed that the situation has only worsened, as AI technology has made it easier than ever for strangers to exploit individuals without their consent.
The legislation has already garnered bipartisan support, having unanimously passed the Senate earlier this month with the backing of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). House Speaker Mike Johnson has also lent his support to the bill.
The press conference included advocates, survivors, and other female legislators from both parties, including MAGA members such as Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Claudia Tenney, and Nancy Mace. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of bipartisanship in pushing for this critical legislation, stating, “I think bipartisanship has been tremendously important. Of course, Republicans hold the majority in the House.”
Despite the ongoing political tensions in the House of Representatives, this coalition of lawmakers remains committed to addressing the growing threat of nonconsensual AI-generated pornography. With the support of both Democrats and Republicans, the DEFIANCE Act represents a significant step forward in protecting individuals from this form of digital abuse.
