Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken legal action against two men accused of creating and circulating pornographic deepfake videos of her, seeking 100,000 euros in damages. The videos, which superimposed Meloni’s face onto the body of another person, were uploaded to the internet and have been widely shared, including on a porn website in the United States, drawing millions of views over several months. The suspects, a 40-year-old man and his 73-year-old father, have been charged with defamation, according to the BBC. The police were able to track down the culprits by tracing the smartphone used to upload the videos. Notably, the deepfake videos date back to 2022, a time before Meloni ascended to the premiership of Italy.
In a forthcoming court appearance set for July, Prime Minister Meloni will testify against the accused. Her legal team has described the 100,000-euro damages claim as “symbolic,” with plans to donate the entire sum to support women who have been victims of male violence. This move, according to Maria Giulia Marongiu, Meloni’s lawyer, aims to send a powerful message to women subjected to such abuses of power, encouraging them not to hesitate in pressing charges.
The creation and dissemination of these deepfake videos raise significant legal and ethical questions, particularly around defamation. In Italy, defamation can be considered a criminal offense, potentially leading to imprisonment for those found guilty. This case highlights the growing concern over the misuse of deepfake technology and its implications for personal privacy and dignity.
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