“Booker blocks passage for Cruz's Take It Down Act”

WASHINGTON, September 26, 2024 – Sen. Cory BookerDN.J., led the effort Wednesday to block bipartisan legislation introduced by the senator. Ted CruzR-Texas, designed to combat AI-generated fake pornographic material and Protect people on the internet.

The Take It Down Act would impose criminal liability on those who engage in private, explicit content without consent. The bill would also criminalize AI-generated sexually explicit images.

Booker lodged a last-minute objection to Cruz's legislation, leaving Cruz to lose as he prepares for a grueling re-election. Booker did not give reasons for his objection.

Cruz pointed out Francesca Mania New Jersey resident, testified before the Commerce Committee about her experiences fake AI generated explicit material.

“I am saddened that the senator from New Jersey did not provide an explanation for his objection,” Cruz said. “He chose not to give Francesca a reason why she was rejected.”

Cruz, who is running for re-election on Nov. 5, suspected that Booker's objection was due to his desire to help Cruz's opponent, Rep. Colin AllredD-Texas, in their statewide competition. Booker is a long-time supporter of Allred.

“The obvious conclusion is that this objection is being raised because we have an election in less than six weeks,” Cruz said.

Cruz noted that his bill contained some of the same language as another bill sponsored by Booker, The Shield Act.