Italy’s Giorgia Meloni Warns Against AI Deepfakes After Fake Images Go Viral

ROME: Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned the circulation of fake artificial intelligence-generated images portraying her in revealing clothing, warning that deepfake technology poses a serious threat to individuals and society.

The Italian prime minister addressed the issue through posts on her social media platforms, where she shared one of the manipulated images that had recently spread online. While responding with sarcasm about the altered photo, Meloni stressed that deepfakes are a “dangerous tool” capable of deceiving, manipulating and targeting anyone.

She urged the public to verify content before sharing it online, cautioning that misinformation and AI-generated fake imagery could damage reputations and mislead audiences on a massive scale.

“Today it’s happening to me; tomorrow it could happen to anyone,” Meloni said while highlighting the growing risks associated with AI misuse.

The controversy intensified after some social media users reportedly believed the fabricated images to be genuine and criticised the prime minister over the fake content. Meloni used the incident to demonstrate how easily manipulated media can influence public opinion.

This is not the first time the Italian leader has faced such attacks. Similar AI-generated and sexualised fake images targeting high-profile women surfaced online last year, prompting widespread debate in Italy over digital safety and online abuse.

Following those incidents, the Italian government introduced legislation criminalising deepfakes that cause “unjust harm” to individuals depicted in manipulated content.

In 2024, Meloni also filed a legal case against two men accused of producing and uploading fake explicit videos of her to a US-based pornographic website, seeking damages worth 100,000 euros.

Experts have warned that female politicians, celebrities and public figures worldwide are increasingly becoming victims of AI-generated pornography, misinformation campaigns and digitally altered images designed to harass or discredit them.

The incident has renewed global concerns regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the urgent need for stronger regulations to combat online manipulation and protect privacy rights.