Online Protection and the Take It Down Act Capitol Hill

I am here with you today with a common goal - to protect our youth from online harm. The widespread presence of abusive behavior in the digital domain affects the daily lives of our children, families, and communities.

Addressing this issue is essential for fostering a safe and supportive environment for our young people. I hope today's roundtable builds awareness of the harm caused by non-consensual intimate imagery and eventually the approval of the "Take it Down Act" bill in Congress.

In today's AI-driven world, the threat of privacy breaches is alarmingly high. As organizations harness the power of our data, the risk of unauthorized access and misuse of personal information escalates. We must prioritize robust security measures and uphold strict ethical standards to protect individual privacy.

As First Lady, my commitment to the "Be Best" initiative underscores the importance of online safety. In an era where digital interactions are integral to daily life, it is imperative that we safeguard children from mean-spirited and hurtful online behavior. Ensuring their protection is not just a responsibility but a vital step in nurturing tomorrow's leaders.

Here with us today is Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old brave young woman. Elliston's peers used AI to create non-consensual intimate images of her and then spread the images across social media. They superimposed her face onto pornographic content without her consent, solely to humiliate her. And although Elliston's family contacted the social media companies for help, their efforts fell upon deaf ears. Ultimately, the fake images circulated worldwide.

It's heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes. This toxic environment can be severely damaging. We must prioritize their well-being by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate this hostile digital landscape. Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm.

To the brave survivors of NCII, your strength inspires the courage in others. To the advocates, your voices empower our youth and hopefully brings change. And to the families, your unwavering love is a pillar of resilience.

Thank you again to Senator Cruz, Speaker Johnson, House Majority Leader Scalise, Representative Salazar, Chairman Guthrie, Chairwoman McClain, Chairman Hern, and Representative Khana for being here today and for your dedication to this important cause.

I was heartened to learn that Senator Cruz and Senator Klobuchar unified to prioritize this fundamental matter. I must admit, however, I expected to see more Democrat leaders with us here today to address this serious issue. Surely as adults, we can prioritize America's children ahead of partisan politics.

I urge Congress to prioritize the passage of the 'Take It Down Act' bill. This legislation is essential for addressing the growing concerns related to online safety, protecting individual rights, and promoting a healthier digital environment.

By advancing this bill, Congress can take an important step towards ensuring accountability and fostering responsible online behavior.

The "Take It Down Act" bill represents a powerful step toward justice, healing, and unity.

Thank you.