Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” by the discovery that doctored photos of her and other women had been circulated on a pornographic website. The platform, Phica, published manipulated images without consent, prompting public outrage and a call for legal action.
The images, which featured Meloni, her sister Arianna Meloni, and opposition leader Elly Schlein, were altered from public and personal sources. They were posted with vulgar captions and sexualized edits. Meloni condemned the misuse, stating that content often seen as harmless can become a weapon when exploited online.
Phica, which had over 700,000 subscribers, was shut down on Thursday by its administrators. They blamed users for abusing the platform, though reports suggest it had operated largely unchecked since its launch in 2005. Complaints had been made in the past, but the platform remained active until recent political pressure and public attention forced its closure.
Authorities launch investigation
Italian authorities have launched an investigation after several Democratic Party officials formally reported the site. A section labeled “VIP” reportedly hosted images of high-profile women, further intensifying the backlash.
Meloni spoke to Corriere della Sera, expressing support for all women affected and criticizing the ongoing normalization of online abuse in 2025. She said those responsible must be identified and punished firmly. She also denounced the culture of anonymity that allows individuals to degrade others without facing consequences.
This incident follows another case involving online abuse. Meta recently shut down a Facebook group named “Mia Moglie” (My Wife), where men were found sharing intimate photos of women without their knowledge. The group had operated within Italy and drew comparisons to the Phica case due to similar violations of privacy.
Digital exploitation remains a concern
A 2019 study by the University of Milan reported that 20% of Italian women had experienced non-consensual sharing of intimate content, highlighting the broader issue of digital exploitation.
Officials and advocacy groups have renewed calls for stronger legal protections and faster intervention in online image-based abuse. While the site is now offline, the impact of its content remains a stark reminder of the risks posed by unchecked digital platforms.
