By: Molly Condon Wells
For many millennial lawyers, Paris Hilton may still conjure images of early-2000s tabloid culture. But in recent years, she has redefined her public role—emerging as a serious advocate for survivors and a vocal proponent of meaningful legal reform. In January 2026, Paris Hilton returned to Capitol Hill to advocate for passage of the DEFIANCE Act—bipartisan legislation aimed at combating non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfake imagery.
As AI technology rapidly advances, survivors are left with limited and outdated legal remedies to address the profound harm caused by fabricated intimate content. The DEFIANCE Act would create a clear federal civil cause of action, giving victims a more direct path to justice.
This moment highlights more than a single bill—it underscores the importance of using our voices to ensure the law evolves alongside technology.
Read the full article in the WBAI Winter 2026 Newsletter on page 10.