This week we are highlighting Elliston Berry, a teenager from Aledo, Texas, who has become an inspiring voice in the fight against deepfake pornography. Joining forces with Senator Ted Cruz and First Lady Melania Trump, Berry is helping to push forward the Take It Down Act, a piece of legislation aimed at protecting individuals, especially young people, from harmful AI-generated content.


Elliston Berry’s fight against deepfake pornography is personal. When she was just 14 years old, a classmate took a photo from her social media and used computer software to create an explicit image of her, which was then circulated online. The experience was traumatic for Berry and her family, who struggled for months to have the image removed from the internet.


However, instead of allowing this incident to define her, Elliston decided to take action. She shared her story publicly, including with Senator Cruz, in the hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of deepfake pornography and pushing for stronger legal protections.


The Take It Down Act, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, seeks to make it illegal to create and distribute non-consensual intimate images including those created using AI technology. The bill also requires tech companies to take swift action in removing such content from their platforms once it is reported by victims.


Elliston Berry’s efforts to raise awareness of this issue have given a voice to countless others who have been affected by similar experiences. Her participation in Washington, D.C., alongside Senator Cruz and First Lady Trump, has highlighted the importance of the Take It Down Act, and has also empowered others to speak out and demand action against digital exploitation. Her bravery in sharing her story is nothing short of remarkable. 


While the bill has already passed the Senate with bipartisan support, it is still waiting to pass through the House of Representatives. As the Take It Down Act continues to make its way through Congress, it is clear that Elliston Berry’s efforts, alongside Senator Cruz, are vital in driving this important issue forward. Way to go, Elliston!