Paris Hilton Challenges AI Porn with Washington Sex Tape Discussion
Paris Hilton, well-known for her celebrity status, is now taking a stand against deepfake pornography and online abuse. At the US Capitol in Washington, Hilton addressed a bipartisan group of politicians, recalling her own painful experience with a leaked sex tape at the young age of 19. This incident, which she described as abuse rather than a scandal, occurred in a time when legal protections for victims were almost nonexistent.
Advocacy Against Deepfake Abuse
Now, nearly 25 years later, Hilton emphasizes the severe evolution of online cruelty. She stated that technology allows for the creation of AI-generated sexualized images without the need for actual videos. An alarming analysis by the New York Times revealed that one AI program, Grok, shared around 1.8 million sexualized images of women in just nine days. Furthermore, research from the Center for Countering Digital Hate estimates this figure to be closer to three million, including tragic instances of child exploitation.
Legislative Efforts and the DEFIANCE Act
In response to these challenges, Hilton is rallying support for the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act, known as the DEFIANCE Act. This legislation, which recently passed the US Senate unanimously, aims to enable victims to sue creators of deepfake pornography. Prominent supporters of the act include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, and Laurel Lee, a Republican.
- The DEFIANCE Act aims to address non-consensual deepfake content.
- It has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.
- Despite its progress, the act may have limitations due to the elusive nature of deepfake creators.
Hilton’s experience highlights her ongoing victimization, stating, “I know today that there are over 100,000 explicit deepfake images of me made by AI. Not one of them is real, not one of them is consensual.” This reality underscores the need for robust legislation and support for victims.
The Global Fight Against Deepfakes
Hilton’s advocacy extends beyond the United States as she aims to address this epidemic on a global scale. During her press conference, she expressed her desire to help victims worldwide, emphasizing that American legislation is just the initial step in a larger fight.
A Continued Commitment to Advocacy
From her early celebrity status to her current role as an advocate, Hilton has shifted her platform to combat entrenched issues of abuse. She has previously engaged with lawmakers about protecting institutionalized minors and has shared her personal experiences with Congress, advocating for necessary reforms.
As Hilton continues her work on Capitol Hill, she remains focused on supporting victims of online abuse. “Coming here to the Capitol and to DC and doing my advocacy work has truly been the most meaningful work of my life,” she stated. Her journey from glamour to activism demonstrates a profound commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of deepfake pornography.
