Meloni registers voice recording to combat AI deepfakes

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has secured protection for a brief audio snippet of her voice through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), according to German Press Agency (dpa). The brief report by La Repubblica suggests this move is a preemptive measure against potential manipulation by artificial intelligence systems.

The audio clip, which measures merely four seconds, contains the phrase "Io sono Giorgia Meloni," which La Repubblica interprets as a linguistic trademark. This phrase echoes a popular statement by Meloni that has become a sort of unofficial brand over her political career. In recent months, AI-generated images of Meloni have circulated, leading her to advocate for responsible conduct.

On social media platform X, she expressed concern over the proliferation of fake images being presented as genuine by certain detractors. Meloni warned about the potential dangers posed by deepfakes, stating they can deceive, manipulate, and harm individuals. She emphasized that while she could protect herself, many others may not be as fortunate. The same caution she adopts for her own digital image could be required of others as well.