First Lady warns against AI deepfakes, online abuse, and misinformation in address on ‘Take It Down Act’

WASHINGTON — First Lady Melania Trump delivered a strong message on the dangers of online abuse and misinformation during a speech accompanying the signing of the “Take It Down Act”, a new law targeting nonconsensual explicit content and AI-generated deepfakes.

Speaking at the White House, the First Lady emphasized the need for greater accountability from social media platforms, warning that technology is increasingly being used to manipulate reality and harm innocent individuals.

“The internet should be a place of empowerment, not exploitation,” Melania Trump said. “We must hold platforms and individuals accountable for the damage caused by false and harmful content.”

The speech focused particularly on the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, which have made it easier to create convincing yet entirely false images and videos often of a sexual or defamatory nature without the subject’s consent.

Melania Trump has long advocated for online safety and digital dignity, having previously launched initiatives focused on cyberbullying and child protection.

Her remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act” into law, making it a federal crime to share explicit content including AI deepfakes without consent.

The First Lady urged lawmakers, tech companies, and civil society to collaborate in building a safer and more ethical digital environment.