Meloni Calls Out Deepfakes After Fake Images Surface

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has warned of the proliferation of fake images created with artificial intelligence that depict her in compromising situations, describing them as deliberate manipulations presented as genuine by political opponents.

As an example, she posted an image purportedly showing her sitting on a bed in her underwear, noting that the original post had described the image as shameful and unworthy of the Italian prime minister. Meloni acknowledged that the image had been "improved" by its creator but stressed the seriousness of the problem.

"Deepfakes are a dangerous tool, because they can deceive, manipulate, and strike anyone", she said, adding that such attacks may affect not only public figures but also people unable to defend themselves effectively.

She urged the public to verify the authenticity of content online. "Verify before believing, and think before sharing", she said.

Meloni noted that she has previously taken legal action against similar practices, filing a defamation suit in a case involving deepfake pornographic images.

(reuters, max)