Australia’s One Nation draws controversy over AI-generated election ad

Australia’s right-wing One Nation party has drawn controversy over election advertisements featuring AI-generated images of a suicide bomber and a home invader ahead of next month’s election in the southeastern state of Victoria.

According to Australian media outlet Lamestream, the imagery was screened during One Nation’s official Victorian election campaign launch at Melbourne’s Crown Casino on Saturday, where the party presented its candidates and policy platform.

One AI-generated sequence depicted a man wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest, presenting him as a suicide bomber, while another showed a masked intruder entering a family home.

The advertisements formed part of a broader campaign presentation heavily focused on crime, public safety and social tensions.

Australian broadcaster ABC reported that law and order was the centerpiece of One Nation’s 63-page election platform, including tougher penalties for violent young offenders, additional police recruitment and a proposed 24-hour bail court.

The party also proposed allowing a controlled trial of capsicum spray for personal protection and introducing UK-style self-defense laws for people confronting intruders inside their homes.

One Nation, led nationally by far-right politician Pauline Hanson, has also pledged to abolish Victoria’s treaty with Indigenous people and scrap the planned Suburban Rail Loop.

Victoria will hold its state election on Nov. 28, with One Nation fielding candidates across all 88 lower-house electorates.