Tory MP Denounces AI-Generated Deepfake Video Falsely Announcing His Defection to Reform UK

Conservative MP George Freeman has reported an AI-generated deepfake video to police after the fabricated clip showed him falsely announcing his defection to Reform UK, raising serious concerns about the threat of digital misinformation in politics.

Freeman, who represents Mid Norfolk, condemned the video in a strongly-worded Facebook post, calling it a “concerning and dangerous development” in political disinformation. The widely circulated deepfake depicted the former minister speaking directly to camera while claiming he was switching allegiance to Nigel Farage’s party.

In the fabricated footage, an AI-generated version of Freeman can be heard saying “the time for half measures is over” and that the “Conservative party had lost its way” while announcing his supposed departure from the Tories.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) confirmed that Freeman had reported the incident to law enforcement and clarified he has “no intention of joining Reform or any other party.”

“The video is a fabrication, created without my knowledge or consent, and uses my image and voice without permission,” Freeman stated in his response. “Regardless of my position as an MP, that should be an offence.”

The incident comes amid growing concerns about the potential for AI-generated content to undermine electoral processes and public trust. Political deepfakes—convincing fake videos or audio recordings of public figures—have become increasingly sophisticated and accessible as AI technology advances.

“This sort of political disinformation has the potential to seriously distort, disrupt and corrupt our democracy,” Freeman warned, highlighting the broader implications beyond his personal case.

Freeman, who was first elected to Parliament in 2010, has held several ministerial roles throughout his career, most recently serving as the minister for science, innovation and technology. His background in technology policy adds weight to his concerns about AI misuse.

The MP expressed uncertainty about whether the fake video constituted a “politically motivated attack” or a “dangerous prank,” but noted there has been a “huge increase in political disinformation, disruption and extremism” from both ends of the political spectrum in recent months.

The incident occurs at a time of heightened political tension in the UK, with Reform UK gaining popularity in polls and several Conservative MPs having previously defected to other parties during this parliamentary term. The fake announcement appeared designed to capitalize on this political context to create maximum confusion.

Digital rights experts have repeatedly warned about the potential for deepfakes to interfere with democratic processes, especially during election periods. The UK’s general election, which must be called by January 2025, is approaching, raising the stakes for such digital manipulation.

The UK government has been working on legislation to combat harmful online content, though critics argue more specific measures are needed to address the unique challenges posed by synthetic media and AI-generated deepfakes.

Freeman urged the public to remain vigilant: “I have reported this matter to the relevant authorities, and I urge anyone who sees the video to report it immediately rather than share it further.”

Norfolk police have been contacted regarding the investigation, but have not yet issued a public statement on the matter.

The incident underscores the growing challenge facing politicians, platforms, and law enforcement as they grapple with increasingly realistic AI-generated content that can spread rapidly across social media platforms before verification can occur.