Hillingdon Councillor Alleges Racist AI Images Used by Conservatives

Hillingdon Labour councillor Sital Punja has alleged that Hillingdon Conservatives, including Deputy Council Leader Richard Mills, have used artificial intelligence to create and disseminate manipulated images of her without her permission. Councillor Punja, who is of Indian descent, stated that one particular AI-generated caricature depicts her as a puppeteer controlling White men, which she believes perpetuates harmful racist stereotypes.

Allegations of Racist Tropes

The image in question, posted by an anonymous account later identified as belonging to Councillor Mills, shows Councillor Punja with exaggerated features, manipulating White men on puppet strings. Councillor Punja told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that this imagery suggests people are vulnerable when led by a person of colour. She drew parallels to historical tropes used in anti-Semitic propaganda, arguing that such depictions imply an Asian individual in elected office would control White people. Councillor Punja stated that this felt like a violation of her privacy, as she had only consented to official photographs for her civic duties, not for caricature creation for political purposes.

Councillor Punja recounted past experiences of racial abuse during her childhood, highlighting a perceived lack of understanding and moral compass from those involved. She stated that she believes Councillor Mills is unfit for public office due to these actions. She has reported the images to the council’s Standards Committee.

Conservative Group's Response

The Hillingdon Conservative Group has strongly refuted the allegations of racism and sexism. A spokesperson for the group described the images as 'political satire' intended to comment on Councillor Punja's political influence and former standing within the Hillingdon Labour Group. They stated that there was no reference to her race, sex, or religion and that the accusation of racism was a dangerously false claim. The group asserted that political satire and caricature have a legitimate place in political debate. They also mentioned that Hillingdon Labour members have themselves used AI-manipulated photos of Conservative councillors.

Councillor Mills stated that he completely rejects the allegations in the strongest possible terms, calling the image 'political satire' and denying any racist connotations. He added that he would cooperate with any proper process but would not conduct the matter through the media.

Call for New Regulations

Councillor Punja is advocating for new rules to protect elected officials from AI image manipulation. Her call comes amid growing concerns about the use of AI systems to generate images of individuals without consent. In February, the Information Commissioner's Office, alongside international counterparts, issued a statement expressing serious concerns about AI systems that create realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals without their knowledge or permission. Academics have also noted the difficulty in removing specific data points from AI learning models once images are uploaded.

Councillor Punja is also seeking internal discipline for Councillor Richard Mills, whose father, Councillor Douglas Mills, serves as Chief Whip.