Overview

• Administrators closed the Phica forum on Thursday, citing “toxic behaviors” after legal complaints and widespread condemnation.
• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the abuse “disgusting,” and Equality Minister Eugenia Roccella said the government is preparing stronger online protections.
• Police opened investigations after politicians including Alessandra Moretti, Valeria Campagna, Alessia Morani and Lia Quartapelle filed formal complaints.
• The site hosted manipulated images of figures such as Meloni, Elly Schlein and Chiara Ferragni with vulgar and sometimes violent commentary, using photos lifted from media and social profiles, with reported audience estimates ranging from about 200,000 to over 700,000.
• Meta recently removed the Italian Facebook group “Mia Moglie” for violating adult sexual exploitation policies, and a Change.org petition to shut Phica has surpassed 150,000 signatures.