AI-generated deepfake images of Italian PM Meloni circulate online
AI-generated deepfake images of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, including one showing her in lingerie, circulated widely online in May 2026 and were shared by some as genuine. Meloni publicly criticized the fabrications as a dangerous form of cyberbullying and called for greater verification and caution before sharing such content.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake images of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, including one depicting her in lingerie seated on a bed, circulated widely online and were shared by some as if genuine.
Meloni posted on Facebook criticizing the fabricated images and denouncing what she called a form of cyberbullying, warning that deepfakes are 'a dangerous tool, because they can deceive, manipulate and target anyone.'
Reported impact
The lingerie deepfake image went viral and prompted a wave of condemnation from users who believed it to be genuine, with some commenting that a prime minister presenting herself in such a state would be shameful and unworthy of her institutional role.
Index analysis
Meloni stated that while she could defend herself, many others could not, calling for verification before believing and thinking before sharing AI-generated content.
Italy approved a comprehensive law in September regulating AI use, introducing prison terms for those who deploy the technology to cause harm including the creation of deepfakes, following a scandal over a pornographic website that published doctored images of prominent Italian women.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.