Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is making a bold move to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence through deepfake technology. In a groundbreaking lawsuit, she is seeking damages of €100,000 (approximately Rs 90 lakh) from those responsible for creating a fake pornographic video that went viral on a US adult website.
According to a report by BBC, Prime Minister Meloni will appear in court in Sassari, Sardinia on July 2nd to provide testimony against the defendants. The accused, a 40-year-old man, is alleged to have used deepfake technology to create an explicit video by superimposing Prime Minister Meloni’s face onto another person’s body. His 73-year-old father is also implicated in the investigation. Both individuals now face charges of defamation, a crime that carries a punishment of imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years in Italy. The police have successfully traced the mobile device from which the video was originally posted, further aiding the investigation.
In a statement, Prime Minister Meloni’s lawyer, Maria Giulia Marongiu, emphasized that the monetary compensation sought was “symbolic” and intended to “send a message to women who are victims of this kind of abuse of power not to be afraid to press charges.”
The deepfake video in question first appeared online in 2022, shortly after Prime Minister Meloni was appointed as the leader of Italy. Since then, it has garnered millions of views, tarnishing her reputation and causing immense distress.
What is a deepfake video?
For those unfamiliar with the term, a deepfake video refers to a manipulated video where an individual’s face is digitally superimposed onto someone else’s body with malicious intent. In recent times, deepfake videos of prominent personalities like actor Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Alia Bhatt have gone viral in India. These videos aim to harm the reputation of these celebrities. Furthermore, this artificial intelligence technology has also been used in India to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
In a recent incident, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was featured in a manipulated video discussing a loan-waiver scheme for farmers in Madhya Pradesh on a television game show called “Kon Banega Crorepati”. This distorted portrayal of then-Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led to negative consequences.
With the Lok Sabha elections approaching in India, the issue of deepfake technology has become a significant concern. The potential for manipulated videos to misrepresent political figures and influence public opinion is alarming.
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FAQ
Q: Can deepfake videos be used to harm the reputation of individuals?
A: Yes, deepfake videos have the potential to damage the reputation and credibility of individuals, as they can create false narratives and portray individuals in compromising situations.
Q: What are some examples of deepfake videos in India?
A: Deepfake videos of celebrities like actor Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Alia Bhatt have gained traction in India, aiming to harm their reputation.
Q: Can deepfake technology be used for extortion?
A: Yes, deepfake technology has been used to extort money from unsuspecting victims by creating manipulated videos that threaten to damage their reputation if they do not comply with the demands.
Q: How serious is the issue of deepfake technology in India?
A: With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the issue of deepfake technology has become a significant concern in India, as manipulated videos can misrepresent political figures and manipulate public opinion.
The misuse of artificial intelligence through deepfake technology is a growing concern in various industries, including politics and entertainment. The case involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlights the severity of the issue and the need for regulations and legal actions.
The deepfake video that went viral on a US adult website, featuring Prime Minister Meloni’s face superimposed on another person’s body, has caused significant damage to her reputation. The lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Meloni seeks damages of €100,000 from the creators of the video, sending a strong message to victims of such abuse not to be afraid to press charges.
Deepfake videos, for those unfamiliar with the term, refer to manipulated videos where an individual’s face is digitally placed on someone else’s body with malicious intent. This technology has been widely misused to harm the reputation of celebrities in India as well. Prominent personalities such as actor Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Alia Bhatt have been targeted by deepfake videos aimed at tarnishing their image.
The consequences of deepfake videos are not limited to reputational damage. In India, there have been cases where the technology has been used for extortion. Manipulated videos are created, and victims are threatened with the release of these videos unless they comply with the demands made by the perpetrators.
The issue of deepfake technology is particularly concerning during election seasons, as manipulated videos can misrepresent political figures and influence public opinion. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching in India, this problem has become even more significant.
To combat the misuse of deepfake technology, regulations and legal actions are necessary. The case of Prime Minister Meloni taking legal action against those responsible for the deepfake video is a step in the right direction. Educating the public about the existence and potential dangers of deepfake videos is also crucial to prevent further harm and protect individuals from falling victim to such manipulations.
For more information on deepfake videos and their implications, you can visit BBC News World or explore Times of India. These sources provide in-depth coverage of current events and issues related to the industry and its impact on various sectors.
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp