New Zealand MP Laura McClure, during a parliamentary session, held up a nude image of herself that was a deepfake, generated using AI, to highlight the dangers of the technology.
In less than five minutes, the MP demonstrated how deepfake images can be created online and how they can mislead the public.
During the session, McClure emphasised the degrading and devastating impact deepfakes have on victims. She expressed discomfort at having to display the image in Parliament, even though she knew it was fake. The purpose of her demonstration was to raise awareness about the potential harm caused by deepfake technology.
McClure is pushing to amend current legislation that makes it illegal to share nude photographs without consent, to include deepfakes under its scope.
McClure is pushing to amend current legislation that makes it illegal to share nude photographs without consent, to include deepfakes under its scope.
Speaking later in a video posted on social media, she said: “I brought to the attention of all the other members of Parliament how easy it is to do this and how much abuse and harm it is causing—particularly for our young Kiwis, and more likely to be our young females.”
McClure said she was “absolutely terrified” to show the image but felt it was necessary to push for new laws to combat deepfake abuse.
On 12 May 2025, the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill was introduced in the New Zealand Parliament. The Bill aims to amend the Crimes Act 1961 and the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 by including digitally altered or synthesised images within the definition of an “intimate visual recording.”
The Bill intends to address the proliferation of sexually explicit deepfakes and extend legal protections to individuals whose likeness is used without consent.
