Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Falls Victim to Deepfake Porn Videos
In a disturbing turn of events, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has found herself at the center of a deepfake scandal. Two men have been accused of creating explicit videos that superimposed Meloni’s face onto another person’s body, effectively subjecting the Prime Minister to a horrifying act of digital defamation.
The news first broke in 2022, when the deepfake videos depicting Meloni in pornographic scenarios began circulating on a popular adult website. Shockingly, the videos amassed millions of views, a testament to the viral nature of such malicious content in the digital age.
Determined to seek justice, Meloni has taken legal action against the perpetrators, demanding a symbolic compensation of €100,000 in damages. The Prime Minister is scheduled to testify in court in Sassari, Sardinia, on July 2. The 40-year-old man accused of creating the deepfake video and his 73-year-old father faces charges of defamation punishable by imprisonment.
“The demand for compensation aims to empower women facing similar abuses of power not to hesitate in seeking justice,” Meloni’s lawyer explained, highlighting the broader implications of this case.
Deepfake technology has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with celebrities and public figures falling victim to such digital manipulation worldwide. In India, cases have been reported involving Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Alia Bhatt, often with the intention of tarnishing reputations and even extorting money.
The Meloni case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of deepfake technology and the need for robust legal frameworks to address such violations of privacy and dignity. As the world grapples with the growing threat of digital deception, the Italian Prime Minister’s pursuit of justice may pave the way for stronger protections and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public figures.
