Now, an altered image of Meloni in lingerie: How Italian PM is a regular target of deepfakes
The article examines how Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni became the target of viral AI generated deepfake images, including fake lingerie photos circulated online as political attacks. Meloni publicly condemned the images, warning that deepfake technology is becoming a dangerous tool for misinformation, manipulation, and harassment. She argued that while public figures like herself may have resources to defend themselves, ordinary people often do not.
The piece explains that the fake images spread rapidly across social media, with some users believing they were authentic. Meloni reposted one of the fabricated images with clear labels identifying it as AI generated, using the incident to highlight the broader societal risks of synthetic media and digital deception.
The article also connects the controversy to Italy’s broader push for stronger AI regulation. Italy has introduced laws criminalizing harmful uses of AI generated content, including certain forms of deepfakes and non consensual synthetic imagery. The government argues these measures are necessary to combat cyberbullying, political disinformation, and online abuse, especially against women.
More broadly, the story reflects growing global concern over deepfake technology. Experts warn that AI generated sexualized content, impersonation, and misinformation are becoming easier to produce and harder to detect. Researchers increasingly argue that real world harms now focus less on political video hoaxes and more on harassment, exploitation, and emotional manipulation targeting ordinary individuals.
