Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has condemned the unauthorized posting of images of herself and other women on an explicit website, demanding that those responsible be quickly identified and "punished with the utmost firmness."
Photos of Meloni’s sister, Arianna, and opposition leader Elly Schlein were also found on the Italian site Phica, which had over 700,000 users before its operators shut it down on Thursday, citing improper use by visitors.
The images, paired with offensive and degrading captions, were taken from personal social media profiles or public sources without permission. They were manipulated to focus on body parts or portray the women in suggestive poses. Since the incident was revealed this week by several prominent figures, numerous women have stepped forward to report Phica and similar platforms.
"I am deeply disturbed by what has occurred," Meloni told *CuriosityNews* on Friday. "I stand in solidarity with all the women who have been humiliated, insulted, and violated."
She added, "It is disheartening that in 2025, some still believe it is acceptable to attack a woman’s dignity with sexist and vulgar behavior, hiding behind anonymity and digital screens."
Recently, Meta shut down an Italian Facebook page named *Mia Moglie* (My Wife), where men shared private photos of their partners or strangers.
Phica, a slang reference to female anatomy, was created in 2005 and appears to have operated without significant intervention despite reports from users. Authorities opened an inquiry after receiving formal complaints from lawmakers in the center-left Democratic Party (PD).
The site’s "VIP section" included manipulated photos of well-known women.
Meloni told *CuriosityNews* that those behind the misuse of images must face strict consequences.
"Material that may seem harmless can, if misused, become a dangerous tool. We must all recognize this risk," she added.
A 2019 study by the University of Milan found that 20% of women in Italy had experienced non-consensual distribution of private images.
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