Italy has enacted the European Union’s first domestic law specifically regulating artificial intelligence and specifically regulating fines and safeguards, aimed at encouraging innovation and curbing misuse.
The law, defended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and consistent with the EU’s broader AI law, establishes rules for “human-centered transparency, safe use of AI” with a focus on “innovation, cybersecurity and privacy protection.”
Individuals who distribute content generated or manipulated into harmful AIs, such as deepfakes, can face 1-5 years of prison conditions. Penalties increase when technology is used for crimes, such as fraud or identity theft. The measures also require clear disclosure and human monitoring of AI systems that operate in workplaces and sectors such as healthcare, education, justice and sports.
Children under the age of 14 require parental consent to access AI services under the law.
For intellectual property, AI-supported works, like the US Copyright Office, are protected only if they reflect the creativity of a real human being. Text and data mining by AI is limited to scientific research carried out by non-cooperative equipment substances or approved institutions.
Alessio Butti, executive director of digital transformation, said the law “reclaims innovation within the boundaries of the public interest and guides AI towards citizen growth, rights and full protection.”
The Guardian notes that enforcement will be handled by digital Italian agencies and national cybersecurity agencies. Congress approved the bill after a year of debate.
“As for artificial intelligence, the Italian way of developing artificial intelligence, and the Italian way of managing artificial intelligence, is there an Italian way? She called it “the greatest revolution of our time,” but emphasized that it must develop “within the framework of ethical rules that focuses on people and their rights and needs.”
The law also commits up to 1 billion euros (approximately $1.2 billion) from state-backed venture funds to support AI, cybersecurity and telecommunications businesses.
In June, Denmark gave copyright to its faces and voices to combat the rise of AI-generated deepfakes to enhance protection against digital spoofing.
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