New Zealand Advances Legislation Against Sexualised Deepfakes

On May 19, 2026, New Zealand's Parliament unanimously passed the first reading of the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill, aimed at criminalising the creation, sharing, or selling of sexualised deepfakes without consent. The bill was motivated by testimonies from victims and their families who suffered emotional harm due to malicious deepfakes. The legislation will now proceed to a Select Committee, allowing public submissions to refine the law. Minister Laura McClure emphasized the urgent need for legal protections as technology evolves rapidly, often outpacing existing laws. Victims of deepfake exploitation are encouraged to share their experiences to shape effective legislation. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the harms associated with AI-generated content and aims to provide clear consequences for offenders. The legislative process marks a significant step in addressing digital exploitation in New Zealand.

Key Points: • New Zealand's Deepfake Bill passed its first reading unanimously on May 19, 2026. • The legislation aims to criminalise non-consensual sexualised deepfakes, responding to victim testimonies. • Public submissions will be accepted to shape the bill as it moves to the Select Committee stage.