Paris Hilton reflected on the trauma of her early fame during a powerful speech on Capitol Hill on January 22, where she advocated for the Defiance Act. This proposed legislation seeks to combat the spread of deepfake content, particularly material that depicts intimate acts or nudity, an issue that has taken on new significance with advancements in artificial intelligence.
In her address, Hilton, who was only 19 when an unauthorized sex tape with her then-boyfriend Rick Salomon was released online, termed the incident “abuse” rather than a scandal. She underscored the absence of protective laws at that time, highlighting the lack of terminology to describe the violation she faced. “The internet was still new, and so was the cruelty that came with it,” Hilton stated, a sentiment that resonates with many who have been similarly affected.
The Defiance Act, which recently passed in the U.S. Senate, allows individuals to take civil action against those who produce or share deepfake content without consent. Hilton, alongside Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, emphasized the impact that deepfakes have on individuals’ dignity and safety, particularly for women. She shared her personal experience with deepfakes, noting that over 100,000 explicit images of her have been generated without her consent.
“Each time a new one appears, that horrible feeling returns,” Hilton expressed, revealing that the fear of being objectified again plagues her. She recounted her feelings of humiliation and lost control over her image and body following the release of her sex tape, illustrating the long-lasting impact of such violations.
Despite the years that have passed, Hilton remains committed to speaking out for the many women and girls who endure similar violations. “I will keep telling the truth to protect every woman, every girl, every survivor, now and for the future,” she asserted. The hope is that the Defiance Act will provide new protections and encourage a culture of respect and consent online, ultimately helping to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Through her advocacy, Hilton aims to ensure that others can reclaim their narratives and protect their dignity in an increasingly digital world. Her emphasis on healing and empowerment offers a positive outlook on the journey toward change and awareness in addressing the misuse of technology.