New Zealand MP shows AI-generated deepfake nude photo to parliament
A New Zealand MP from the ACT Party demonstrated an AI-generated deepfake nude photograph of herself in parliament to highlight how easily deepfake images can be created and the harm they cause. She stated she created the fake image in under five minutes and called for legislation to criminalize non-consensual deepfake creation and distribution.
What happened
A female MP from New Zealand's ACT Party brought an AI-generated deepfake nude photograph of herself to parliament on June 3, 2025. She displayed the image in the chamber and stated: 'This is my nude photo, but it is not real.' She explained she created the fake image in under five minutes using AI tools.
The MP demonstrated the image to draw other members' attention to how easily deepfakes can be created and the damage they cause, particularly to young people. She stated that the technology itself is not the problem, but its misuse to harass and harm people is.
Reported impact
The MP highlighted that deepfake technology poses a serious threat and that existing laws are not equipped to address it. She noted the particular impact on young people in New Zealand.
The demonstration was intended to support proposed legislation, the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill, which would make creating and sharing non-consensual deepfakes a crime and provide victims with pathways to have content removed and seek justice.
Index analysis
The MP used an AI deepfake generation tool to create a synthetic nude image, demonstrating the low barrier to entry for creating harmful synthetic media. Creating the image took less than five minutes.
The incident illustrates the lack of legal frameworks to address non-consensual deepfakes and the potential for widespread harm, particularly to women and young people.
Governance controls
The MP called for legislative change and expressed support for the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill, which would amend existing revenge porn and privacy laws and criminalize non-consensual deepfake creation and distribution.
The proposed legislation would give victims legal recourse to remove content and obtain justice.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.