Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has submitted an application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to trademark her voice, an effort aimed at preventing unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) reproductions. The submission includes an audio recording of Meloni stating the phrase “Io sono Giorgia Meloni” (“I am Giorgia Meloni”), a bid to establish legal protection against the misuse of her vocal likeness.

This move follows a similar step taken by American singer Taylor Swift, who sought to trademark her voice with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office earlier this year using a recording of herself saying, “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift.” Both cases highlight increasing concerns over the misuse of deepfake technology, particularly its potential to generate fabricated endorsements, speeches, or other manipulated content that may harm public figures’ reputations.

A government official confirmed Meloni’s application, while an EUIPO representative noted that the request will be subject to a three-month opposition period during which third parties can contest the registration before the office reaches a decision. Gianluca Statti, an intellectual property attorney from Praxi Intellectual Property representing Meloni, indicated that trademarking such a distinctive vocal phrase is unusual but justified given its recognizability and the growing need to counteract deepfake abuses.

Meloni has been particularly vocal about the risks posed by AI-generated misinformation. In 2024, she appeared in court as a witness in a case involving the creation of a deepfake pornographic video featuring her likeness and sought €100,000 in damages. She warned that artificial intelligence could blur lines between authentic and fabricated content, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth.

Further illustrating the challenge, Meloni publicly addressed the circulation of numerous AI-manipulated images bearing her likeness, including an AI-generated lingerie photo she reposted in May. She acknowledged that while she could defend herself against such misuse, others may lack the means to do so, emphasizing the wider societal risks associated with deepfakes.

The Italian prime minister also condemned a July incident in which Roberto Vannacci, a right-wing politician, shared a deepfake video portraying her as an ancient Roman figure observing opposition politicians being attacked by lions in the Colosseum. Meloni dismissed the video as inconsistent with her political identity and approach.

In the United States, Taylor Swift has faced similar issues, including a fabricated video falsely depicting her endorsing Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, which was subsequently shared by the former president.

Both cases underscore the growing intersection of technology, law, and politics as public figures and legal experts seek new ways to address the evolving threats posed by AI-generated misinformation and manipulated media.