Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has spoken out against the spread of AI-generated deepfake images depicting her, including one that showed her in lingerie, after the images went viral online. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Meloni addressed the fabricated pictures, noting that while the creator may have improved her appearance, the underlying issue of using such technology to spread falsehoods is deeply concerning.
Meloni's Response to Deepfake Images
In her statement, Meloni shared the AI-generated image that had gone viral, showing her apparently dressed in lingerie and seated on a bed. The image prompted a wave of criticism from users who believed it to be genuine, with one commenter calling it 'shameful' and 'unworthy of her institutional role.' Meloni, however, used the opportunity to highlight the broader dangers of deepfakes, describing them as a form of cyberbullying and a dangerous tool capable of misleading and harming individuals.
Call for Verification and Caution
'The issue goes beyond me,' Meloni wrote. 'Deepfakes are a dangerous tool, because they can deceive, manipulate and target anyone. I can defend myself. Many others cannot. For this reason, one rule should always apply: verify before believing, and think before sharing. Because today it happens to me, tomorrow it could happen to anyone.' Her remarks underscore the growing concern over AI-generated content and its potential to cause harm.
Italy's Stance on AI Regulation
The fight against the risks posed by AI and deepfakes has become a central plank of Meloni's far-right government agenda. Last September, Italy became the first EU country to approve a comprehensive law regulating the use of AI. The legislation introduces prison terms for those who deploy AI to cause harm, including the creation of deepfakes, and places limits on children's access to such technology. Meloni's government stated that the law aligns with the EU AI Act and marks a decisive step in shaping AI development and use across the country.
Previous Scandal Involving Deepfakes
The new law followed a scandal involving a pornographic website that published doctored images of prominent Italian women, including Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein. The images, lifted from social media or public appearances and altered with vulgar, sexist captions, were shared on a platform with more than 700,000 subscribers. Many showed female politicians across party lines, manipulated to emphasize body parts or imply sexualized poses. Italian police ordered the site to be shut down, and prosecutors in Rome opened an investigation into alleged offenses including unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit images, defamation, and extortion.
Meloni's recent comments serve as a reminder of the pervasive threat deepfakes pose to public figures and ordinary citizens alike. As AI technology advances, the need for robust legal frameworks and public awareness becomes increasingly critical to protect individuals from digital manipulation and harassment.
