Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has applied to trademark her voice with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), seeking additional protection against the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes.
The application, dated October 5 and confirmed by her office, includes a 4-second audio recording in which Meloni repeats the phrase, “I am Giorgia Meloni” twice in Italian. The phrase, “Io sono Giorgia” (“I am Giorgia”), was also the title of her 2021 autobiography and refers to a well-known declaration she made at a political rally in 2019. The statement was later turned into a disco track.
Manipulated images of Meloni have repeatedly circulated online in recent years, with some falsely presented as authentic. These include an image depicting her sitting on a bed in her underwear.
Meloni has criticised such content, describing it as a way to spread misinformation and target individuals. She has also urged people to verify information before sharing it online, noting that while she can defend herself, many others may not have the same ability.
The EUIPO application is currently under examination. Italian media reports suggest that even if the trademark is approved, it would not automatically prevent the use of her voice in AI-generated deepfakes. However, it could create additional legal barriers for those attempting to replicate it.
In 2024, Meloni filed a civil lawsuit against a man from Sardinia who was accused of creating and sharing deepfake pornographic images using her face. The case remains pending before an Italian court.
The application highlights growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create convincing fake audio and visual content, as public figures seek stronger legal protection against digital impersonation.
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