Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Takes Legal Action Against Deepfake Videos
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has taken a bold step in seeking justice after discovering deepfake pornographic videos featuring her circulating online. These videos, which were viewed by millions on a US-based pornographic website over several months, have caused significant distress.
In her pursuit of accountability, Meloni has initiated legal proceedings, seeking €100,000 ($109,345) in damages. The individuals believed to be responsible for creating and sharing these manipulated videos, a 40-year-old man and his 73-year-old father, are currently under investigation. Authorities managed to track them down by tracing the mobile device used to upload the videos.
It’s particularly alarming that these deepfake videos were created before Meloni assumed office as Prime Minister in 2022. This underscores the growing prevalence of digitally altered content online, which poses serious threats to individuals’ reputations and public trust.
Meloni’s legal team has emphasized the importance of this case beyond monetary compensation. They see it as a symbolic stand against the abuse of power and a message of solidarity with victims. If successful, Meloni intends to donate the entire sum to support women who have experienced male violence.
This incident sheds light on the dangers of deepfake technology and the urgent need for legislative action to address its misuse. By raising awareness and implementing effective measures, we can protect individuals from the harmful effects of digital manipulation and uphold the integrity of online discourse.
