Italy has become the first European Union country to enact comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation in line with the bloc’s landmark AI Act, after parliament approved the measure, according to Reuters.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government pushed the law forward, describing it as a framework built on human-centric, transparent, and safe AI principles while also promoting innovation, cybersecurity, and privacy protections.
The legislation introduces cross-sector rules for healthcare, the workplace, education, justice, sport, and public administration. It requires traceability and human oversight of AI-generated decisions and restricts access for children under 14 without parental consent.
“This law brings innovation back within the perimeter of the public interest, steering AI toward growth, rights, and full protection of citizens,” said Alessio Butti, undersecretary for digital transformation.
The government designated the Agency for Digital Italy and the National Cybersecurity Agency as lead AI authorities. Sector regulators, such as the Bank of Italy and market watchdog Consob, will maintain their oversight powers.
New criminal provisions penalize harmful uses of AI-generated content, including deepfakes, with prison sentences ranging from one to five years. Offenses like identity theft and fraud committed using AI will carry stiffer penalties.
On copyright, AI-assisted works will receive protection if they show intellectual effort, while text and data mining will be limited to non-copyrighted content or scientific research by authorized bodies.
The law also allocates up to €1 billion ($1.18 billion) from a state-backed venture fund to support AI, quantum technology, telecoms, and cybersecurity firms. Critics argue the funding pales in comparison to international efforts.
In healthcare, AI can support diagnosis and treatment, but doctors will retain final decision-making authority. Employers must also notify workers when AI is in use.
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