Meloni Warns of Deepfake Risks After Fake Images Spread

ROME Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned on Tuesday about the dangers of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes after several fabricated images of her began circulating widely on social media.

The images, created using AI and presented as authentic by what Meloni described as political opponents, depicted her in a compromising position, sitting on a bed in underwear. One original post sharing the image included an outraged comment calling it shameful and unworthy of an Italian prime minister. Meloni shared an example of the fake photo on her platforms while addressing the issue in a statement.

"I must admit that whoever created them, at least in the attached case, has also improved me quite a bit," Meloni said, acknowledging the alteration with a touch of irony. She emphasized that the incident illustrated how such technology enables attacks through falsehoods. "The point, however, goes beyond me," she added. "Deepfakes are a dangerous tool because they can deceive, manipulate, and strike anyone. I can defend myself. Many others cannot."

Meloni urged the public to exercise caution online, advocating a simple guideline: "One rule should always apply: verify before...