Sexist Websites Under Fire: Rome Prosecutor’s Office Launches Major Investigation
Italy’s battle against online misogyny escalates as the Rome Prosecutor’s Office gears up for a sweeping probe into platforms hosting stolen photos and vulgar comments targeting women. A key suspect has been identified, and calls for accountability grow louder amid revelations involving high-profile victims like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Probe Unfolds: Postal Police Delivers Initial Report
The Rome Prosecutor’s Office received a preliminary report from the postal police on August 29, 2025, detailing investigations into sexist websites that published unauthorized photos of women, including actresses and politicians, accompanied by offensive and sexist remarks. The report focuses on tracing platform operators and identifying authors of the derogatory comments, paving the way for formal charges. Prosecutors are considering merging this inquiry with an existing case on the “My Wife” Facebook group, which involved similar revenge porn activities.
Coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Giuseppe Cascini, the investigation could expand nationwide, as complaints pour in from victims across Italy, including Genoa. The postal police’s findings will help open official files, with other prosecutor’s offices potentially joining due to the widespread nature of the offenses.
Key Suspect Identified: The Man Behind Phica.eu
Investigators have pinpointed Vittorio Vitiello, a 45-year-old from Scandicci near Florence, as the alleged administrator of Phica.eu (also known as Phica.net). Operating under nicknames “Phicamaster” and “Bossmiao,” Vitiello, originally from Pompeii, owns a small company in Italy established in 2023. The platform, which relied on foreign servers, served as a hub for uploading stolen images of both ordinary women and celebrities, inviting users to post explicit and violent comments.
Potential charges against Vitiello and others include unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit images or videos under Article 612-ter of the Italian Penal Code, defamation, and extortion. The site was shut down by its administrators citing “toxic behaviors” and misuse, but not before amassing 200,000 users over two decades.
High-Profile Victims and the Nature of the Abuse
Among the victims are prominent figures such as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European MP Alessandra Moretti, opposition leader Elly Schlein, influencer Chiara Ferragni, and Florence Mayor Sara Funaro. Photos sourced from TV, social media, or public appearances were manipulated or tagged with lewd, explicit content, including fantasies of violence and rape. Moretti filed a complaint, decrying the platforms for inciting real-world violence against women. Funaro’s images prompted her own legal action, highlighting the personal toll on victims.
The content promoted misogyny, with users encouraged to engage in obscene discussions, exacerbating Italy’s gender-based violence issues. Other sites mentioned include the “My Wife” Facebook group, under scrutiny for similar non-consensual sharing.
Background: A Long-Standing Issue in Italy’s Digital Landscape
Italy has grappled with online gender violence for years, with platforms like Phica operating with apparent impunity since the early 2000s. The investigation stems from a surge in complaints, amplified by high-profile cases and media exposure. A draft law on femicide remains stalled, and the parliamentary committee on feminicide and gender-based violence is set to convene on September 9, 2025, to discuss hearings with postal police and stakeholders.
Lawyer Annamaria Bernardini de Pace has launched a class action against Facebook (Meta), seeking damages for failing to curb such groups, though Meta has not responded. The probe may uncover extortion schemes where users demanded money from victims.
Public Reactions and Expert Opinions
Public outrage has been swift, with social media users condemning the platforms as breeding grounds for hate. “These sites must be eradicated—enough impunity,” one X post read, echoing widespread calls for stricter digital regulations. Victims like Moretti have spoken out, urging cultural shifts to combat misogyny.
Experts view the investigation as a watershed moment. “This could set precedents for holding tech giants accountable,” said a digital rights analyst, while feminists highlight its role in addressing Italy’s high femicide rates. Prosecutors emphasize the need to identify both admins and users, potentially leading to hundreds of charges.
Implications for U.S. Readers: Global Echoes in Online Harassment
For Americans, this Italian probe resonates amid rising concerns over digital misogyny, mirroring U.S. cases like deepfake porn scandals involving celebrities. It could influence U.S. tech policies, pushing platforms like Meta to enhance content moderation worldwide, potentially reducing harassment costs estimated at $1 billion annually for U.S. businesses in lost productivity.
Politically, it aligns with bipartisan efforts against online abuse, similar to proposed U.S. laws on non-consensual imagery. Economically, stricter rules might affect U.S. tech exports to Europe, impacting Silicon Valley giants. Lifestyle-wise, it underscores safer online spaces for women, influencing social media habits. Technologically, it highlights AI’s role in detecting harmful content, fostering U.S.-EU collaborations. In sports, parallels to athlete harassment cases could prompt leagues like the NFL to advocate for global protections.
Conclusion: A Push for Justice and Digital Reform
The Rome Prosecutor’s Office’s maxi-investigation into sexist sites like Phica.eu marks a critical step toward dismantling online networks of abuse, with Vitiello’s identification accelerating the probe. As victims like Meloni and Moretti seek justice, the case promises broader accountability for platforms and users.
Looking ahead, the September 9 committee meeting and potential class actions could catalyze legislative changes, curbing gender-based digital violence. For global audiences, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need for transparent, enforced online safeguards, potentially setting international precedents.