Proposed Laws Target AI-Generated Political Deepfakes in Australia

On June 21, 2026, Independent MP Zali Steggall announced a new bill aimed at regulating political advertising, particularly focusing on AI-generated deepfakes. The legislation seeks to establish a political advertising standards board to ensure that ads are truthful and backed by evidence. It also mandates that any AI-generated content must be clearly labeled. The proposed laws could impose fines of up to $300,000 on parties like One Nation, which has been using misleading AI-generated ads in its 'fire the liar' campaign. Recent polling indicates that 70% of Australians support truth in political advertising laws. The bill aims to combat misinformation, especially in light of past misleading claims during the Indigenous voice referendum. This marks Steggall's fifth attempt to legislate in this area since 2021.

Key Points: • Zali Steggall's bill aims to regulate AI-generated political advertising. • The proposed laws could fine parties up to $300,000 for misleading ads. • 70% of Australians support the introduction of truth in political advertising laws.