Demand Comprehensive Biometric Privacy Laws
The Issue
In today's world, where technology is advancing at a startling rate, our personal data is more vulnerable than ever. Predatory entities scrape public images without consent to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. These models, when misused, have the terrifying potential to create hyper-realistic digital forgeries, including disturbing and non-consensual Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This horrifying reality isn't a dystopian future—it’s happening right now.
Federal District Court Case Number: 3:24-cr-00050 (Western District of Wisconsin) ruled that possession of digitally created Child Sexual Abuse Material (known as CSAM) is protected under the first amendment if the individual that possesses it does not distribute it. This sets an extremely dangerous precedent, as artificial intelligence models its' creations off of the likeness of real individuals in its' system. As mothers, as fathers, as grandparents, as aunts, as uncles, as a united people - we should be outraged.
The lack of comprehensive state and federal biometric privacy laws is a glaring loophole that AI entities exploit with impunity. Biometric data, which includes facial recognition data, facial geometry/symmetry, gait assessment, and other unique identifiers, is at the very core of our personal identity—more intimate than our name, social security number, or driver's license. Yet, the legal framework required to protect this incredibly personal and sensitive data is almost non-existent at the federal level in the United States.
We must urgently demand a robust federal framework that grants individuals explicit rights concerning their biometric signatures. Such legislation should treat an individual's biometric signature and their genetic characteristics as legally protected personal property; It MUST require informed consent before any entity can utilize biometric data and it MUST impose stringent penalties and significant legal consequences for violations while establishing rigorous standards for the collection, storage, and use of biometric information immediately. Victims must be allowed the right to be notified of their likeness involved in any intimate digital forgery, and they must be given the right to pursue legal recourse with substantial court-mandated damages and relief.
Research highlights numerous incidences where unauthorized use of biometric data has led to severe privacy violations and misuse. According to a 2023 report from a renowned privacy advocacy group, over 60% of major corporations in the United States are currently using or exploring AI technologies that rely heavily on biometric data. Yet, less than half have appropriate measures to protect this data against misuse or unauthorized access. We can't just opt out of biometric surveillance. It is everywhere. It's in convenience stores, airports, our phones, our social media, our banks, etc. We need clear regulations establishing how it's collected, why it's collected, how it will be disposed of and notifications of any breaches.
It's time for the policymakers to act decisively. We demand the U.S. Congress and state lawmakers collaborate to craft legislation that not only protects our privacy but also reinvents trust in digital technologies. By securing our biometric data, we pave the way for responsible AI integration into our daily lives without the fear of exploitation.
This petition is not just about anonymity and privacy; it is about reclaiming control over our identities in an increasingly digital world. We must not allow our children to grow up in a society where their likeness can be forged without consequence.
Join us in this crucial fight for privacy and dignity. Sign the petition today and call upon our elected officials to advocate for robust biometric privacy laws that secure every individual's future. Our biometric signatures define who we are; let’s protect them together for a safer, more ethical digital age.
Ushering in a new generation without these standards precautions is unacceptable.
Sources:
7th Circuit, Weissman V. Clearview Al
(scraping/face-vector description; settlement approval vacated and remanded)
FTC, Policy Statement of the Federal Trade Commission on Biometric Information and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (May 18, 2023)
FTC press release on the same statement
Reuters Practical Law overview of the FTC statement
EFF, Clearview’s Face Surveillance Shows Why We Need a Strong Federal Consumer Privacy Law (Jan. 2020)
ASIS / Security Management, “Deepfake Identity Fraud Poised to Increase Nearly 500 Percent in 2026” (Shufti index)
BCLP, U.S. biometric laws and pending legislation tracker
FTC, Rite Aid facial-recognition order (Dec. 19, 2023)
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/05/ftc-begins-enforcing-take-it-down-act
FTC, TAKE IT DOWN Act enforcement start (May 19, 2026)
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-take-it-down-act
FTC business guidance on TIDA (covers AI digital forgeries)
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/clearview-ai-facial-recognition-settlement.html
NYT, Clearview class settlement reporting (database built from scraped public photos)
https://www.aclu.org/cases/aclu-v-clearview-ai
Article covers individuals counted in the billions that have had their face scraped by Clearview AI and sold to private entities, wealthy individuals, etc.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1837/text
DEFIANCE ACT - not passed, but stalled in the judiciary. Gives victims of deepfakes the federal right to sue for liquidated damages of up to 250k, and punitive damages. This bill introduces a statute of limitations of 10 years from the victim's date of discovery.
TTP has found more than 300 ads with child sexual abuse material that ran on Facebook and Instagram. Some include images of real children.
More sources available upon request.
151
The Issue
In today's world, where technology is advancing at a startling rate, our personal data is more vulnerable than ever. Predatory entities scrape public images without consent to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. These models, when misused, have the terrifying potential to create hyper-realistic digital forgeries, including disturbing and non-consensual Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This horrifying reality isn't a dystopian future—it’s happening right now.
Federal District Court Case Number: 3:24-cr-00050 (Western District of Wisconsin) ruled that possession of digitally created Child Sexual Abuse Material (known as CSAM) is protected under the first amendment if the individual that possesses it does not distribute it. This sets an extremely dangerous precedent, as artificial intelligence models its' creations off of the likeness of real individuals in its' system. As mothers, as fathers, as grandparents, as aunts, as uncles, as a united people - we should be outraged.
The lack of comprehensive state and federal biometric privacy laws is a glaring loophole that AI entities exploit with impunity. Biometric data, which includes facial recognition data, facial geometry/symmetry, gait assessment, and other unique identifiers, is at the very core of our personal identity—more intimate than our name, social security number, or driver's license. Yet, the legal framework required to protect this incredibly personal and sensitive data is almost non-existent at the federal level in the United States.
We must urgently demand a robust federal framework that grants individuals explicit rights concerning their biometric signatures. Such legislation should treat an individual's biometric signature and their genetic characteristics as legally protected personal property; It MUST require informed consent before any entity can utilize biometric data and it MUST impose stringent penalties and significant legal consequences for violations while establishing rigorous standards for the collection, storage, and use of biometric information immediately. Victims must be allowed the right to be notified of their likeness involved in any intimate digital forgery, and they must be given the right to pursue legal recourse with substantial court-mandated damages and relief.
Research highlights numerous incidences where unauthorized use of biometric data has led to severe privacy violations and misuse. According to a 2023 report from a renowned privacy advocacy group, over 60% of major corporations in the United States are currently using or exploring AI technologies that rely heavily on biometric data. Yet, less than half have appropriate measures to protect this data against misuse or unauthorized access. We can't just opt out of biometric surveillance. It is everywhere. It's in convenience stores, airports, our phones, our social media, our banks, etc. We need clear regulations establishing how it's collected, why it's collected, how it will be disposed of and notifications of any breaches.
It's time for the policymakers to act decisively. We demand the U.S. Congress and state lawmakers collaborate to craft legislation that not only protects our privacy but also reinvents trust in digital technologies. By securing our biometric data, we pave the way for responsible AI integration into our daily lives without the fear of exploitation.
This petition is not just about anonymity and privacy; it is about reclaiming control over our identities in an increasingly digital world. We must not allow our children to grow up in a society where their likeness can be forged without consequence.
Join us in this crucial fight for privacy and dignity. Sign the petition today and call upon our elected officials to advocate for robust biometric privacy laws that secure every individual's future. Our biometric signatures define who we are; let’s protect them together for a safer, more ethical digital age.
Ushering in a new generation without these standards precautions is unacceptable.
Sources:
7th Circuit, Weissman V. Clearview Al
(scraping/face-vector description; settlement approval vacated and remanded)
FTC, Policy Statement of the Federal Trade Commission on Biometric Information and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (May 18, 2023)
FTC press release on the same statement
Reuters Practical Law overview of the FTC statement
EFF, Clearview’s Face Surveillance Shows Why We Need a Strong Federal Consumer Privacy Law (Jan. 2020)
ASIS / Security Management, “Deepfake Identity Fraud Poised to Increase Nearly 500 Percent in 2026” (Shufti index)
BCLP, U.S. biometric laws and pending legislation tracker
FTC, Rite Aid facial-recognition order (Dec. 19, 2023)
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/05/ftc-begins-enforcing-take-it-down-act
FTC, TAKE IT DOWN Act enforcement start (May 19, 2026)
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-take-it-down-act
FTC business guidance on TIDA (covers AI digital forgeries)
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/clearview-ai-facial-recognition-settlement.html
NYT, Clearview class settlement reporting (database built from scraped public photos)
https://www.aclu.org/cases/aclu-v-clearview-ai
Article covers individuals counted in the billions that have had their face scraped by Clearview AI and sold to private entities, wealthy individuals, etc.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1837/text
DEFIANCE ACT - not passed, but stalled in the judiciary. Gives victims of deepfakes the federal right to sue for liquidated damages of up to 250k, and punitive damages. This bill introduces a statute of limitations of 10 years from the victim's date of discovery.
TTP has found more than 300 ads with child sexual abuse material that ran on Facebook and Instagram. Some include images of real children.
More sources available upon request.
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Petition created on September 2, 2026