In a disturbing development that highlights the growing threat of artificial intelligence in politics, Conservative MP George Freeman has become the target of a sophisticated deepfake audio scam during the general election campaign.
The former science minister revealed he was forced to contact police after receiving reports of an AI-generated voice clone of himself being used in fraudulent phone calls to voters in his Mid Norfolk constituency.
The Sophisticated Scam Operation
According to Freeman, the deepfake impersonation was alarmingly convincing. "Someone has created an AI-generated version of my voice and is using it in scam calls to constituents," the MP stated, describing the technology as "pretty sophisticated."
The fraudulent calls specifically targeted elderly and vulnerable voters, with the AI-generated Freeman voice making false claims about his campaign positions and policies.
Police Investigation Launched
Norfolk Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as potential electoral fraud and malicious communications. The case represents one of the first documented instances of AI deepfake technology being deployed to interfere with a UK general election.
Freeman emphasised the seriousness of the situation: "This is exactly the kind of new AI-technology electoral fraud and interference I've been warning about."
Broader Implications for Democracy
The incident comes amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence's potential to disrupt democratic processes. Electoral Commission officials have repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of elections to AI-powered disinformation campaigns.
Freeman, who chairs the parliamentary group on AI, has been at the forefront of calling for stronger regulations to prevent such abuses of technology in political campaigns.
As the investigation continues, security experts warn that this case likely represents just the beginning of AI-powered electoral interference that could become increasingly common in future elections.
