‘Think before sharing,’ Giorgia Meloni says as AI-made lingerie image of her goes viral
In a recent incident that has sparked widespread discussion, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, has publicly condemned the circulation of AI-generated deepfake images of herself, one of which depicted her in lingerie. The image went viral, leading to significant backlash from the public and prompting Meloni to address the issue directly.
The Incident
On May 5, 2026, Meloni took to Facebook to express her concerns about the fake images that had been circulating online. In her post, she noted, “In recent days, several fake images of me have been circulating, generated using artificial intelligence and passed off as real by some overzealous opponents.” She humorously acknowledged the quality of the image, stating, “I must admit that whoever created them … even improved my appearance quite a bit.” However, she emphasized the serious implications of such fabrications.
Public Reaction
The AI-generated image of Meloni, which showed her seated on a bed in lingerie, led to a wave of criticism from social media users. Many believed the image to be genuine, with one user remarking, “That a prime minister should present herself in such a state is truly shameful. Unworthy of the institutional role she holds. She has no sense of shame.” This reaction highlights the potential for misinformation to damage reputations and public trust.
Meloni’s Response
In her statement, Meloni denounced the use of deepfakes as a form of cyberbullying. She warned that AI-generated images could mislead and harm individuals, stating, “The issue goes beyond me. Deepfakes are a dangerous tool, because they can deceive, manipulate and target anyone. I can defend myself. Many others cannot.” Meloni urged the public to adopt a cautious approach, saying, “One rule should always apply: verify before believing, and think before sharing. Because today it happens to me, tomorrow it could happen to anyone.”
The Broader Context of AI and Deepfakes
The emergence of deepfake technology has raised significant ethical and legal questions. Deepfakes are created using artificial intelligence to manipulate images and videos, making it appear as though individuals are doing or saying things they never did. This technology can be used for various purposes, from entertainment to malicious intent.
Legislation Against Deepfakes in Italy
In response to the growing concern over deepfakes and their potential misuse, Meloni’s government has made the fight against the risks posed by AI a central focus of its agenda. In September 2025, Italy became the first country in the European Union to enact comprehensive legislation regulating the use of artificial intelligence. This law introduced prison terms for those who use AI technology to cause harm, including the creation of deepfakes, and placed restrictions on children’s access to such technologies.
Background of the Legislation
The introduction of this legislation followed a scandal involving a pornographic website that published doctored images of prominent Italian women, including Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein. The images were altered with vulgar and sexist captions, and many depicted female politicians in a manner that emphasized body parts or suggested sexualized poses. The outrage that followed led to a crackdown by Italian authorities.
Government Action and Public Safety
In light of the scandal, Italian police ordered the shutdown of the offending website, and prosecutors in Rome launched an investigation into potential offenses, including the unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit images, defamation, and extortion. This incident underscored the need for legal frameworks to protect individuals from the harmful effects of deepfakes and cyberbullying.
The Importance of Digital Literacy
As deepfake technology continues to evolve, the need for digital literacy becomes increasingly important. Individuals must be equipped to discern between real and manipulated content, especially in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media platforms. Meloni’s call to “verify before believing” resonates strongly in this context, emphasizing the responsibility of both individuals and platforms to combat the spread of false information.
Conclusion
The incident involving Giorgia Meloni serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by AI-generated content and the importance of responsible sharing online. As technology advances, so too must our approaches to safeguarding against its misuse. The Italian government’s proactive measures in regulating AI usage reflect a growing recognition of these challenges, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding digital ethics will be crucial in shaping a safer online environment for all.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on events reported until October 2023 and may not reflect subsequent developments.
