University of Waikato Anthropology lecturer, Bronwyn Isaacs & Māori tech ethics expert, Dr Karaitiana Taiuru on deep fakes and AI generated content in NZ politics: June, 05 2025

The proliferation of deep fakes and AI-generated content on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, is playing an ever-increasing role in political campaigns. 

Recent elections in Australia and the United States, among other countries, have demonstrated the role of deep fakes in representing, or misrepresenting political figures, as well as spreading sensationalist mis- and disinformation on key political issues. 

University of Waikato Anthropology lecturer Bronwyn Isaacs published a piece in the Conversation this week, calling for new legislation in Aotearoa while expressing her concern of the role of AI in politics, as echoed by other academics across the globe witnessing the impact of artificially generated content on their own elections. 

Leading expert in Māori Data, Tech Ethics and Data Governance, Dr Karaitiana Taiuru, has also raised concern recently with the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on institutional trust and security.

Producer Sara talks to both Bronwyn Isaacs and Dr Karaitiana Taiuru about the role deep fakes and AI might play in New Zealand’s upcoming elections

https://theconversation.com/playing-politics-with-ai-why-nz-needs-rules-on-the-use-of-fake-images-in-election-campaigns-255415