The Bank of Italy has warned that new false images, videos and articles are circulating online that unlawfully use the name and image of Governor Fabio Panetta. The material falsely depicts him appearing in television programmes or other media settings, in some cases to promote investment platforms that are likely linked to fraud. The bank said none of the statements or events shown in the content is real, including any explicit references to the Bank of Italy, and that none of it has been authorised. Some of the material has been created using artificial intelligence techniques, including deepfakes, to make the false messages more convincing. The Bank of Italy has urged the public to treat such messages with suspicion, not respond to any requests and not share the content. It has also asked online platforms to remove false and fraudulent material when detected and has already filed a formal complaint with the competent authorities.
Bank of Italy2026-07-08
Bank of Italy warns over deepfake content misusing Governor Fabio Panetta to promote fraudulent investment platforms
The Bank of Italy warned that false online content, including deepfakes, is misusing Governor Fabio Panetta’s name and image to depict fabricated media appearances and promote likely fraudulent investment platforms. It said none of the content is real or authorised, urged the public not to engage with or share it, and has asked platforms to remove it while pursuing a formal complaint.