Summarised by Centrist
ACT MP Laura McClure, who presented a fake nude image of herself in Parliament, said current laws are not deterring offenders from sharing sexually explicit deepfakes without consent, and urged swift reform.
But Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the government is not considering the bill “at this stage.”
McClure’s proposed legislation would target the creation of such material, something not clearly covered under existing statutes, she argues.
“Every day, people are getting away with creating and sharing sexually explicit AI deepfakes,” she told MPs.
“My bill will provide clarity and send a clear signal to the police and the courts that this behaviour should be prosecuted and punished.”
Goldsmith conceded that deepfakes are “very concerning” and said the government is open to “exploring options,” but pointed to existing provisions in the Crimes Act and the Harmful Digital Communications Act as covering much of the conduct in question. McClure disagrees. “It is clear the current law is not sufficient.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins also declined to back McClure’s bill outright, though he said he was open to “conversations” about new ideas. “If there is more we could do to help keep people safe, then of course we’re open,” he said, while warning that any legislative fix could be legally complex.
McClure now faces the task of persuading 60 MPs to back her bill directly and bypass the member’s ballot.
Despite cross-party concern, no formal action has yet been taken. “I’m not willing to sit on my hands while this issue spirals,” she said.
