Italy Passes Comprehensive AI Law Focused on Safety and Rights

• Italy becomes the first EU country to adopt full-spectrum AI legislation, addressing privacy, oversight, and child access while supporting innovation.

Legal Framework Anchored in Public Interest

Italy’s parliament has approved a wide-ranging law regulating artificial intelligence, positioning the country as the first in the European Union to align national policy with the EU’s AI Act. The legislation, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s (pictured) government, outlines principles for human-centric, transparent, and secure AI deployment. It spans multiple sectors including healthcare, education, justice, and public administration, requiring traceability and human oversight in AI-driven decisions. Access to AI tools for children under 14 will now require parental consent.

Alessio Butti, undersecretary for digital transformation, stated that the law aims to guide AI development toward growth and citizen protection. National oversight will be managed by the Agency for Digital Italy and the National Cybersecurity Agency, while existing regulators such as the Bank of Italy and Consob retain their roles. Criminal penalties have been introduced for harmful dissemination of AI-generated content, including deepfakes, with sentences ranging from one to five years. Additional sanctions will apply to offenses like identity theft and fraud when AI is involved.

Copyright, Investment, and Sector-Specific Rules

The law clarifies copyright protections for AI-assisted works, recognizing intellectual effort as a condition for legal coverage. Text and data mining by AI systems is permitted only for non-copyrighted material or scientific research conducted by authorized institutions. To support industry growth, the government has allocated up to €1 billion from a state-backed venture capital fund for equity investments in companies working in AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and telecoms. Some critics argue that this funding falls short compared to global initiatives.

In healthcare, AI may assist with diagnosis and treatment, but doctors must retain final authority and patients must be kept informed. Employment regulations now require companies to notify workers when AI is used in the workplace. These provisions reflect a broader effort to balance technological advancement with ethical and social safeguards. Italy’s approach emphasizes responsible integration of AI across both public and private domains.

Oversight and Implementation Timeline

The law designates specific national bodies to oversee AI development, ensuring coordination across sectors and institutions. Watchdogs will monitor compliance and address misuse, particularly in areas where AI-generated content could cause harm. The inclusion of criminal penalties signals a firm stance on accountability and misuse. Implementation will require ongoing collaboration between regulators, industry stakeholders, and civil society.

Italy’s move comes as the EU continues to refine its broader AI strategy, with other member states expected to follow. The law’s emphasis on transparency, privacy, and human oversight aligns with emerging global norms around ethical AI use. By establishing clear rules and enforcement mechanisms, Italy aims to foster innovation while protecting individual rights. This legislation may serve as a reference point for future regulatory efforts across Europe.