Tory MP George Freeman reports deepfake defection video to police

Tory MP George Freeman reports deepfake defection video to police

A Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) has taken action against a deepfake video that falsely depicted him announcing his affiliation with Reform UK. George Freeman, who represents Mid Norfolk, clarified that he has no intentions of joining any other party and remains dedicated to the Conservative party. Describing the circulating video as an “AI-generated deepfake”, Freeman has reported the matter to the authorities, including Norfolk Police and Facebook.

In the misleading video, Freeman seemed to express dissatisfaction with the Conservative party, stating that it had lost its direction and declaring his allegiance to Reform. Nevertheless, Freeman asserted that the video was manipulated without his consent, branding it as a violation of his rights. He emphasized the potential threats posed by such deceptive political disinformation, stating that it could severely disrupt and distort the democratic process.

Having served as a Conservative MP since 2010, Freeman has held various governmental roles, including Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. In response to the incident, Freeman expressed uncertainty regarding the motives behind the creation of the deepfake video, suggesting it could be a politically motivated attack or a harmful prank. Concerned about the rising instances of political disinformation and extremism, Freeman urged individuals to report the video if encountered, rather than propagating it further.

The MP’s proactive approach in confronting the deepfake video underscores the growing challenges posed by technological advancements in spreading misinformation. Freeman’s firm stance against the unauthorized use of his likeness and voice highlights the importance of safeguarding the integrity of political discourse in an era marked by increasing manipulation of digital content for deceptive purposes

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