Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is taking a bold stand against the misuse of her image, seeking €100,000 ($108,488) in damages over the dissemination of graphic deepfake videos online.
Meloni is set to appear in court in Sassari, Sardinia, on July 2nd to testify against the defendants accused of circulating fake pornographic videos featuring her on an American adult website. Allegedly, a 40-year-old individual created these videos by digitally overlaying Meloni’s face onto explicit content, with his 73-year-old father also implicated in the investigation.
In diretta dalla Camera dei deputati, il mio intervento di replica in seguito alla discussione in Aula. https://t.co/ommNc4FjuE
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) March 20, 2024
Both men face charges of defamation, a crime punishable in Italy by imprisonment ranging from six months to three years. Maria Giulia Marongiu, Meloni’s legal representative, emphasized that the requested damages serve as a symbolic gesture, aiming to empower women who have fallen victim to such abuses.
Furthermore, any compensation awarded to Meloni will be directed to the Interior Ministry’s fund supporting women affected by male violence, underscoring the prime minister’s commitment to addressing broader societal challenges.
The investigation into this matter commenced in 2020, predating Meloni’s assumption of office in 2022. Law enforcement traced the suspects through the mobile device used to upload the illicit videos, underscoring the technological advancements in tracking cybercrimes.
The enduring presence of these deepfake videos online, viewed by millions according to the indictment, underscores the pervasive threat posed by manipulated media. Governments globally are increasingly recognizing the dangers of deepfake technology, viewing it as a potential national security concern.
As Meloni prepares to confront the perpetrators in court, her stance sends a resolute message against digital exploitation and underscores the imperative to combat the proliferation of deepfake content. In her pursuit of justice, Meloni champions not only her own integrity but also the broader cause of safeguarding individuals against the perils of online manipulation.
