The Italy finally has his Artificial Intelligence LawAfter a long and tortuous parliamentary process, which required three readings and numerous amendments, the Senate has given the green light definitive to bill launched by the Council of Ministers in April 2024, with 77 votes in favour of the majority and 55 against from the opposition, with two abstentions. This is a measure structured in 28 articles divided into six Chapters, which establishes general principles for research, testing, development, and application of AI systems and models, delegating the government to adopt legislative decrees to align Italy with the European AI Act and regulate the use of data, algorithms, and mathematical methods for training systems.
A clear regulatory framework for AI in Italy: here's what's changing
The provision, with immediate operational provisions, establishes that within a year the government will adopt the decrees to align Italy with theEuropean AI Act, safely regulating the use of data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence systems. The law introduces clear rules for applications in healthcare, employment, research, public administration, and justice, protects privacy and copyright, including works generated by AI, updates the criminal code to address illicit uses and deepfakes, and provides for national and international collaboration.
Italy approves the law on artificial intelligence: principles and objectives
Il Head I establishes the general principles and purposes of AI, promoting a transparent approach that respects fundamental rights. It defines the use of AI in the manufacturing and defense sectors, ensuring security, privacy protection, and citizen rights.
AI in healthcare, work, and justice
Il Chapter II of the provision establishes how AI can be used in the field sanitary as a support for diagnosis and treatment, leaving the final decision to doctors, with patients' right to be informed. In the world of work, employers and professionals must communicate the use of AI to workers and customers, while a National Observatory monitors benefits and risks. For the justice, the text introduces the crime of "illegal dissemination of content generated or manipulated with AI systems", punishable by one to five years in the event of unjust damage.
The fraudulent use of AI constitutes an aggravating circumstance, increasing penalties in cases of impersonation, fraud, money laundering, self-laundering, and financial fraud. The Ministry of Justice may adopt precautionary measures to block and remove illegally generated content, but all decisions regarding the interpretation and application of the law remain the sole responsibility of the judiciary.
AI Governance: AgID and Acn at the Center of Control
Il Chapter III entrusts to the presidency of the Council, through Department for Digital Transformation, coordination of the National Strategy for AI, updated regularly and aimed at promoting public-private collaboration, research, and training. It also establishes the Coordination Committee for policy-making activities for institutions, organizations, and foundations operating in the field of digital innovation and AI.
The authorities designated for the control are l 'Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) and theNational Cybersecurity Agency (Acn), while Bank of Italy, Consob, Ivass e AGCOM They maintain their specific responsibilities. The National Agency for Information Technology (ACN) monitors the adequacy and security of the systems with inspection powers, while AgID manages notifications and promotes safe use cases for citizens and businesses. The decision to entrust monitoring to two government agencies, rather than an independent authority, has drawn criticism from parliamentary opposition parties.
Copyright and AI-generated creations
Il Chapter IV of the law extends the copyright protection including works created with the support of AI, provided they derive from the author's intellectual work. The use of works or materials available online through AI tools is permitted only if they are copyright-free or intended for scientific research and cultural heritage protection purposes, avoiding overlap with European directives.
Amendments to the Criminal Code and Financial Provisions
Il Chapter V introduces amendments to the penal code To punish the illicit use of AI, including the misleading dissemination of content such as deepfakes, or the use of intelligent systems that compromise the safety or integrity of people or systems. The goal is to prevent abuse and ensure that digital innovation develops safely.
Il Chapter VI contains financial measures with an invariance clause and authorizes the ACN to conclude collaboration agreements with private Italian and European entities and, if authorized by the Presidency of the Council, also with NATO countries.
Resources and Investments: One Billion Euros for Technology Companies
Despite criticism for the lack of a specific allocation, the law authorizes the use of 1 billion euro through CDP Venture Capital for investments Equity and quasi-equity investments in SMEs and large companies operating in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and telecommunications. The goal is to support the growth of Italian companies and strengthen the country's international competitiveness.
“The law allows for alignment with the AI Act and for innovation within a solid regulatory framework,” commented the Undersecretary for Innovation. Alessio Butti -. One billion euros is available and Acn and Agid are entrusted with clear oversight of the security, quality, and transparency of the systems."
