Giorgia Meloni Takes Legal Action Against Deepfake Video Misuse
Background
In 2022, a deepfake video featuring Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni surfaced online, depicting her in a pornographic context. This incident led to a legal battle against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence through deepfake technology.
Legal Action
Prime Minister Meloni has initiated legal proceedings seeking €100,000 (₹90 lakh) in damages against the perpetrators responsible for creating and disseminating the deepfake video. The ‘Brothers of Italy’ co-founder is determined to address the misuse of AI technology and its implications.
Court Appearance
PM Meloni is scheduled to testify in court in Sassari, Sardinia, on July 2, to confront the defendants involved in the distribution of the deepfake video. This legal battle highlights the importance of combating the misuse of technology for malicious purposes.
Implications
A 40-year-old man and his 73-year-old father have been implicated in the creation of the deepfake video using Prime Minister Meloni’s likeness. Despite facing potential imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, the legal consequences of defamation in Italy are limited.
Symbolic Compensation
PM Meloni’s lawyer stated that the monetary damages sought are symbolic, aiming to empower women who fall victim to such abuses of power. The legal action sends a message to encourage victims to come forward and seek justice.
Understanding Deepfake Videos
Deepfake videos involve altering a person’s face using AI technology to superimpose it onto another individual’s face. The prevalence of deepfake videos has raised concerns globally, with instances involving Indian celebrities prompting swift government responses.
Global Impact
The misuse of deepfake technology extends beyond individual cases, with reports of extortion using AI manipulation in India. As the world approaches a pivotal year of elections in 2024, the influence of information dissemination, including through deepfake videos, becomes increasingly significant.
