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13 Jan 2026

'NI cannot be left behind on AI regulation'

Cara Hunter MLA has called on the NI government to act after the UK Government announced new laws to crack down on the creation of explicit images using AI

Cara Hunter

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter.

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

13 Jan 2026 1:30 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has said the North must quickly follow suit after the UK Government announced new laws to crack down on the creation of explicit images using AI.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said creating or trying to create an intimate non-consensual image will be an offence from this week.
Apps allowing users to create these images will also be criminalised under the Crime and Policing Bill.
East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said: “For far too long, people online have been allowed to create explicit images of women and children without their consent, hiding behind anonymity while platforms fail to take responsibility for the content they host. It’s regrettable that it has taken thousands of victims to prompt action, but I am glad this issue is getting the attention it demands.
“The North must act quickly to follow suit. I welcome the Justice Minister’s pledge to make these offences illegal, but we need to see quick action and a timeline for introducing this here – we cannot be left behind. We have seen all too often at Stormont that passing the most basic legislation takes far too long and that promises from Ministers go unfulfilled. 
“We need to get serious about tackling online harm and I will continue to use my voice and platform to fight for victims. Crimes are committed every second on the internet and I am glad to see governments waking up to it at long last.”

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