Italy first EU country to pass comprehensive AI law.
Italy’s senate on Wednesday granted final approval a sweeping new law to regulate artificial intelligence, requiring human oversight and traceability of AI decisions.
The move, which follows a year of parliamentary debate, makes Italy the first European Union member state to bring in comprehensive legislation in line with the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act.
Italy’s new package of regulations is designed to be consistent with the principles of the AI Act and in compliance with the GDPR, the European regulation on the protection of personal data.
The law, approved by 77 votes to 55 with two abstentions, has been hailed by the government as a decisive step in shaping how new technologies are deployed across Italy’s public and private sector and in society in general.
Human-centric approach
The law aims to set limits on the use of AI with by placing humans and their essential decision-making power at the centre, while at the same time addressing innovation, cybersecurity, privacy protections and economic growth.
The legislation, which delegates powers concerning the policing of artificial intelligence to the government, will seek to limit the risks of misuse of AI in key sectors such as employment, justice and healthcare.
Central to the law are measures to ensure transparency, security and citizens’ rights, including a parental consent requirement for AI access by children under the age of 14.
New penalties
The law includes tough new penalties for illegal use of AI including identity theft, fraud and spreading AI-generated deepfakes, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison if it causes harm.
The Agency for Digital Italy (AGID) and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) will enforce the regulations, with the Department for Digital Transformation tasked with drawing up a national AI strategy, subject to periodic revision.
“Italy is the first European country with a national framework fully aligned with the AI Act” – stated Alessio Butti, the undersecretary for digital innovation – “This decision brings innovation back into the public interest, orienting AI toward growth, rights, and the full protection of citizens.”
“We say clearly to businesses: invest in Italy” – Butti said – “You will find reliable governance, transparent rules, and an ecosystem ready to support concrete projects in all of the country’s key sectors.”
Criticism
Those in support of the law hail it as balanced and pragmatic, tightening controls while leaving room for experimentation and innovation.
However the new legislation has been heavily criticised by digital rights advocates who claim that it places control of AI directly in the hands of the government rather than an independent regulator.
The law earmarks up to €1 billion from a state-backed venture capital fund to stimulate domestic innovation, however this amount has also been criticised as insufficient in comparison to the vast investments being made by other countries.
