Tory MP reports ‘AI-generated deepfake’ video announcing his defection to Reform UK | Conservatives

A Conservative MP reported an “AI-generated deepfake” video informing police that he had joined Reform UK, according to reports.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman condemned the video and issued a statement: Facebook postHe called the intentional spread of misinformation through AI-generated content a “worrying and dangerous development.”

In the video, which has spread widely online, the former Tory minister is seen standing and speaking to the camera, saying he will switch allegiance and join Nigel Farage’s party.

Additionally, AI-generated Freeman was seen saying that “the time for half measures is over” and that “the Conservative party has lost its way” as he said he was leaving the party.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the MP said he “does not intend to join Reform or any other party”. LDRS also stated that Freeman reported the video to police.

Responding to the clip, Freeman said: “The video is fabricated, created without my knowledge or consent, and uses my image and voice without permission. This should be a crime, regardless of my position as an MP.”

He added: “Such political disinformation has the potential to seriously distort, distort and corrupt our democracy.”

The MP later said he did not know whether the incident was a “politically motivated attack” or a “dangerous prank”. He also said there had been “a huge increase in political disinformation, confusion and extremism” on both the left and the right in recent months.

Freeman said: “I have reported this matter to the relevant authorities and would urge anyone who sees the video to report it immediately rather than sharing it further.”

Freeman served in various ministerial positions in the previous Conservative government after being elected in 2010. He was most recently the minister responsible for science, innovation and technology.

Norfolk police have been contacted for comment.