Deepfake in Parliament: MP's Shocking Reveal Sparks Urgent Call for New Laws

Deepfake Scandal Rocks New Zealand Parliament: MP's Bold Move Highlights Urgent Need for Legislation Wellington, New Zealand – In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through New Zealand's political landscape, Member of Parliament Laura McClure recently presented a startling visual demonstration during a parliamentary session. McClure, visibly concerned, displayed a printed image – a deepfake nude photo of herself, generated using readily available AI technology. The image, McClure explained, was created in under five minutes, underscoring the alarming accessibility of such technology and its potential for misuse. "It took me less than five minutes to make a series of deepfakes of myself," McClure stated, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "This is what we call a deepfake." Her demonstration served as a powerful call to action, highlighting the need for stronger laws to protect individuals from the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. The incident has sparked widespread debate and renewed calls for stricter regulations surrounding deepfake technology. A bill aimed at addressing the issue of non-consensual intimate image sharing was introduced in the New Zealand Parliament in May 2025, and is currently under discussion. McClure's brave act has brought the issue to the forefront of public consciousness, prompting a crucial conversation about the ethical implications of AI and the need for robust legal protections. McClure's actions serve as a stark warning, not only to potential victims but also to lawmakers, urging them to act swiftly and decisively to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The New Zealand Parliament's current deliberation on the proposed bill offers a glimmer of hope that meaningful change is on the horizon.