News Summary
President Trump signed the ‘Take it Down Act,’ creating stricter laws to combat online revenge pornography. The act aims to protect individuals from the non-consensual sharing of intimate images while addressing malicious deepfake technologies. It was inspired by the advocacy efforts of Brandon Guffey, following the tragic loss of his son to a sextortion scheme. The law gained bipartisan support and requires swift action from platforms to remove non-consensual content.
Washington, D.C. – President Trump Signs Anti-Revenge Pornography Legislation
President Donald Trump signed the “Take it Down Act” on Tuesday, aimed at implementing stricter laws against online revenge pornography and protecting individuals from malicious acts related to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The signing ceremony took place in the White House Rose Garden and included notable attendees such as South Carolina legislator Brandon Guffey.
Tragic Background of Advocacy
Brandon Guffey, who represented not only his political role but also his personal heartbreak as a grieving father, attended the event following the tragic suicide of his son Gavin in 2022. Gavin was targeted by a social media sextortion scheme, where he was manipulated by an individual believed to be a female in the United States. The scheme originated from Africa and ultimately resulted in Gavin taking his own life after suffering from emotional distress at the hands of this manipulative plot.
At the time of his death, 17-year-old Gavin Guffey had just graduated from Rock Hill High School. Following his passing, Brandon Guffey dedicated himself to advocating for changes in online safety laws. His efforts have included testifying before Congress and organizing meetings across the country to raise awareness regarding online dangers for young individuals. In 2023, Guffey successfully contributed to the introduction of state legislation known as “Gavin’s Law,” which made online sexual extortion a criminal offense in South Carolina.
Details of the “Take it Down Act”
The newly enacted “Take it Down Act” establishes that it is now considered a federal crime to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images without the subject’s consent. Under the provisions of this law, websites and social media platforms are required to remove such images within 48 hours of receiving notice. The act also addresses malicious “deepfake” technologies where artificially generated images are created to appear real, thus extending the protections offered under the legislation.
The bill received bipartisan support during its passage, underscoring a collective recognition of the urgency of addressing online sexual exploitation. The law has also been endorsed by influential figures, including First Lady Melania Trump, which further highlights the significance of this issue on a national scale.
Support from South Carolina Legislators
Other South Carolina lawmakers present at the ceremony included Republicans Heath Sessions, Brandon Cox, and Brian Lawson. Their attendance emphasizes the willingness of local politicians to take a stand against online harassment and revenge pornography, aligning state and federal initiatives to protect citizens.
Previous Legislative Efforts and Current Cases
Prior to the implementation of the “Take it Down Act,” South Carolina was noted for having no specific legislation that addressed revenge pornography, making it the only state without such laws. The introduction of this federal legislation follows South Carolina’s earlier 2023 law, which took steps to combat sexual extortion. In connection with the unfortunate events surrounding Gavin Guffey’s death, Brandon Guffey has also filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram.
As part of the ongoing investigations related to Gavin’s case, a Nigerian man named Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal has been indicted and remains in jail pending trial. Lawal faces multiple charges, including child exploitation that resulted in death and attempted extortion, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The approval of the “Take it Down Act” signifies a pivotal move towards enhancing online safety and ensuring that victims of exploitation receive the necessary protections under U.S. law. With ongoing advocacy efforts led by individuals like Brandon Guffey, the momentum for change continues to build in the fight against online abuse.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSOCTV: SC Commissioner Sextortion
- Herald Online: Politics and Government
- WSOCTV: Rock Hill Lawmaker’s Revenge Porn Law
- Post and Courier: Revenge Porn Bill
- Herald Online: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: Revenge Porn
- Google Search: Revenge Porn Legislation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Revenge Porn
- Google News: Anti-Revenge Porn Legislation
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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