Council to review Code of Conduct after backing AI abuse motion

Stockton Council has backed a motion condemning the use of AI-generated imagery and other digitally manipulated content to abuse or misrepresent those involved in public life.

Members also agreed to review the council's Code of Conduct to ensure it remains fit for purpose in relation to “emerging technologies, online behaviour, [or] any form of image alteration".

The motion, which received cross-party approval at a full council meeting on Wednesday (22 July), warns that advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology have made it easier to create manipulated images, audio and video capable of causing distress, reputational harm and public misunderstanding.

Councillors said such material could be used to spread misinformation, cause personal or reputational harm, undermine confidence in democratic institutions and discourage people from standing for election or participating in public life.

The motion states that while "robust political debate is an essential part of democracy", disagreement should focus on "policies, decisions and ideas rather than personal attacks on an individual's appearance or private life".

It also says everyone should be able to participate in public life without fear of intimidation, abuse, harassment, discrimination or the malicious manipulation or fabrication of images depicting them.

As part of the resolution, the council condemned the use of AI-generated imagery and any manipulated images intended to "degrade, intimidate, harass or misrepresent individuals".

The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to respectful political discourse and encouraged elected representatives, political parties, campaigners and members of the public to engage in political debate responsibly.

The motion further requests that the monitoring officer circulate to all members the relevant provisions of the members' code of conduct relating to respect, bullying, harassment, discrimination, social media use and conduct likely to bring the office of councillor into disrepute, together with any existing guidance on maintaining respectful standards of behaviour.

Councillors also agreed to establish a cross-party working group, supported by the monitoring officer, to review the members' code of conduct and bring forward recommendations to full council.

The review will consider whether the code remains fit for purpose in promoting civility, respect, accountability and high standards of conduct, including in relation to emerging technologies, online behaviour, image alteration, intimidation, harassment and maintaining public confidence in local democracy.