Antonio Rotondo faces trial for alleged deepfake sexualisation of schoolgirls

Antonio Rotondo, a 56-year-old software developer, appeared in Brisbane District Court to face trial for 17 charges, including stalking, distributing intimate images, and distributing child exploitation material. The charges involve the alleged use of artificial intelligence to create “deepfake” nude or sexualised images of schoolgirls, female staff from a prestigious Queensland school, and fashion models.

Crown prosecutor Ben Jackson informed the jury that Rotondo allegedly collected public images and used AI programs to remove clothing or place subjects in revealing lingerie. The images were reportedly emailed to school administrators and a fashion event in September 2023, causing significant distress to the victims.

During police questioning, Rotondo allegedly claimed that the spread of deepfake technology is unstoppable and stated, “Every woman on Earth should live in fear of a camera, should live in fear of Facebook.” He reportedly described the process of using the technology as “fun,” comparing it to having “X-ray vision glasses.” Rotondo has pleaded not guilty to all charges.