Paris Hilton Joins Bipartisan Push on Capitol Hill to Pass DEFIANCE Act Fixing Deepfake Law
Paris Hilton stood on Capitol Hill Thursday joining bipartisan lawmakers to urge swift House passage of the DEFIANCE Act, a new bill designed to give victims of non-consensual deepfake pornography the legal right to sue those responsible for creating and distributing the content. According to C-SPAN video footage and news reports, Hilton said the rise of AI-generated sexual imagery is chilling free expression and harming real people’s lives.
Her appearance raised the stakes on a bill that passed the Senate unanimously but has not yet been scheduled for a House vote, adding celebrity spotlight to a bipartisan push that includes Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Laurel Lee (R-FL). Advocates argue existing laws do not sufficiently empower victims beyond removing harmful content.
The DEFIANCE Act would allow survivors to pursue civil damages against anyone who knowingly produces, distributes, solicits or possesses with intent to distribute non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake imagery, according to Roll Call’s coverage. It builds on the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a 2025 law that criminalizes posting such material and requires prompt removal by platforms.
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The complication lawmakers and advocates highlight is that takedown provisions alone leave victims without recourse for reputational and financial harm. Opponents in past sessions raised First Amendment concerns; backers say revisions have addressed those issues.
“They are selling my pain for clicks and leaving survivors without a way to fight back,” Hilton said, underscoring the personal toll deepfakes have taken.
Supporters say passing DEFIANCE would set a new legal standard for AI accountability and empower individuals across the country who face non-consensual AI exploitation. Congressional leadership has indicated interest but has not set a floor date for a vote. Lawmakers plan additional hearings and outreach to build support. The next key step will be Judiciary Committee consideration followed by a House floor vote. Ending legislative stasis on DEFIANCE remains the immediate focus for advocates.
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