Meta must remove and filter out fraudulent deepfakes on Facebook and WhatsApp
The news was reported on 30 October by *Due di denari*, the Radio 24 programme
A victory for the victims of deepfakes and for internet users at risk of falling prey to these scams, which are orchestrated by producing fake videos of well-known figures: this was secured by the Court of La Spezia, which granted an urgent appeal – heard ‘without the other party being present’ – lodged by a well-known financial adviser, Salvatore Gaziano, and ordering Meta Platforms Ireland not only to remove the fake adverts but also to implement appropriate filtering measures to prevent such content from being republished in future. The news was reported on 30 October by *Due di denari*, the Radio 24 programme presented by Debora Rosciani and Mauro Meazza (You can listen to the episode here).
On 10 December, again in La Spezia, a hearing will be held to confirm the order issued on 29 October, in response to the evidence submitted by Marisa Marraffino, the lawyer representing Gaziano.
Deepfakes
Deep fakes are multimedia content – usually videos – produced using artificial intelligence, in which politicians, actors, sports stars and well-known professionals in their respective fields appear to recommend investment tools or WhatsApp groups to join in order to receive investment advice. Deep fakes (a portmanteau of ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’) are also produced using false statements attributed to political opponents or even acquaintances whom one wishes to harm.
Deepfakes frequently appear amongst the adverts on Facebook. Also in yesterday’s episode of *Due di Denari*, the case of Roberto Nicastro, chairman of Banca Aidexa, was featured; he too has fallen victim to these video adverts in which he appeared to be promoting investment opportunities with which he has nothing to do. Gaziano, Nicastro and many other more or less well-known figures targeted by deepfakes have, unfortunately, all come up against the inaction of the platforms, which often fail to respond or reply by stating that the video does not breach their rules, or even that, as they are advertisements, they cannot intervene.
The case and the decision
Gabriele Romano, the judge in La Spezia who upheld Mr Marraffino’s appeal and ordered Meta to comply with three binding measures, does not share this view. Firstly, the immediate cessation of the dissemination on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and any other channel of the group’s adverts, posts and pages that use, without authorisation, the name, image, cloned voice, biometric data or distinctive signs of Salvatore Gaziano. Furthermore, the prompt removal of all advertisements and the deactivation of the WhatsApp groups and telephone numbers that were being promoted. Finally – and this appears to be the most significant new development – the obligation to implement adequate filtering measures to prevent this content from being republished in the future.
