The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has endorsed the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act, urging Congress to pass the legislation. The bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to clarify the existing Violence Against Women Act's federal civil cause of action for nonconsensual sharing of intimate images to include victims of AI-generated images.

"The nonconsensual production and disclosure of intimate images, including those produced through AI technology, is a profoundly harmful act that is weaponized disproportionately against women and members of the LGBTQ+ community," stated CDT. The organization highlighted that advanced, user-friendly AI technology has made it easier to create and distribute such content.

Non-consensual intimate image (NCII) distribution can lead to severe emotional, financial, reputational, and interpersonal harm. Often created with the intent to humiliate and marginalize victims, NCII can also suppress their voices in public discourse.

The DEFIANCE Act is designed to address the specific harms posed by AI-generated NCII while having minimal impact on valuable speech. "Carefully drafted to survive legal scrutiny," the bill seeks to enhance existing laws for those affected by NCII while ensuring protections for free expression are maintained.

CDT calls on Congress for immediate passage of the DEFIANCE Act.

Read the full letter.

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