Summary
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, faced a viral deepfake image generated by artificial intelligence that depicted her in underwear sitting on a bed. The image spread on social media and was mistaken by some viewers for a real photograph, drawing criticism from users who condemned the portrayal as shameful and unworthy of her institutional role. Meloni responded on Facebook, warning that people are willing to use any means to spread falsehoods and urging others to verify content before sharing it. The incident highlighted the risks of AI-generated imagery, prompting Italy to become the first EU country to adopt laws regulating AI use, which can lead to prison sentences for creating harmful deepfakes. A pornographic website that posted manipulated images of Meloni and other prominent Italian women was shut down by Italian police following the scandal.