Software Developer Faces Trial for Creating Sexualized Deepfake Images of Schoolgirls

• •Antonio Rotondo faces 17 charges related to creating deepfake images of schoolgirls.
• •The images were modified to be sexualized and distributed to school administrators.
• •Rotondo claimed the technology was unstoppable and that women should live in fear of it.

Antonio Rotondo, a 56-year-old software developer, is on trial in Brisbane for allegedly creating and distributing sexualized deepfake images of schoolgirls and staff members from a Queensland school. He faces 17 charges, including stalking and distributing child exploitation material, and has pleaded not guilty. The images were modified using AI to depict the victims in degrading scenarios and were emailed to school administrators in September 2023. Prosecutor Ben Jackson stated that Rotondo claimed the technology was unstoppable and that every woman should fear it. Most victims have not seen the images, and the prosecution does not need to prove that Rotondo acted for sexual gratification. The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing about the distress caused to the victims and the nature of the images. Rotondo reportedly described his actions as 'fun' and compared the technology to 'X-ray vision glasses.'