Italy has taken a historic step by becoming the first EU nation to pass a sweeping law regulating artificial intelligence. The legislation, approved this week, sets strict rules on AI use — including prison terms for harmful misuse, child access limits, and clear guidelines for transparency and copyright.
What Happened
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government said the new law aligns with the EU’s landmark AI Act, but also establishes a uniquely Italian framework for governing the technology. The goal, officials say, is to ensure AI development remains “human-centric, transparent and safe”, while protecting innovation, cybersecurity, and privacy.
The legislation introduces prison sentences of one to five years for those found guilty of spreading harmful deepfakes or other AI-generated content. Harsher penalties apply if AI tools are used in crimes such as fraud or identity theft.
Child Access and Workplace Rules
Children under 14 years old will now require parental consent to access AI technologies.
The law also enforces strict transparency and oversight rules for how AI can be used in workplaces and sensitive sectors including healthcare, education, justice, and sports.
Copyright and Innovation
On copyright, the bill states that AI-assisted works are protected if they stem from genuine intellectual effort. Text and data mining by AI will only be permitted for non-copyrighted material or scientific research conducted by approved institutions.
To spur innovation, the government has pledged up to €1 billion (£870m) from a state-backed venture capital fund to support AI, cybersecurity, and telecom companies — though critics say the amount falls short of U.S. and Chinese levels of investment.
Official Statements
Alessio Butti, Italy’s undersecretary for digital transformation, said:
“This law brings innovation back within the perimeter of the public interest, steering AI toward growth, rights, and full protection of citizens.”
Prime Minister Meloni, who has long emphasized the need for an Italian approach to AI, previously described the technology as “the greatest revolution of our time” — but warned it must be developed under ethical rules that focus on people’s rights and needs.
What Happens Next
The Agency for Digital Italy and the National Cybersecurity Agency will oversee enforcement of the law. Analysts say the legislation could serve as a test case for other EU nations, shaping how artificial intelligence is regulated across Europe.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
