Italy has become the first EU country to pass a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence. The legislation includes prison sentences for those who use AI to cause harm—such as by creating deepfakes—and restricts access for children.
Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government described the law as a decisive step in shaping how AI is used in Italy. It aligns with the EU’s broader AI Act and aims to promote “human-centric, transparent, and safe AI use,” while supporting innovation, cybersecurity, and privacy protections.
Under the new rules, spreading harmful AI-generated or manipulated content can lead to prison terms of one to five years. Harsher penalties will apply for using AI in crimes like fraud or identity theft. The law also requires greater transparency and human oversight in workplaces and sectors such as healthcare, education, justice, and sports.
Children under 14 will need parental consent to use AI systems.
Regarding copyright, the law protects AI-assisted works if they result from genuine intellectual effort. AI-driven text and data mining will only be allowed for non-copyrighted material or for scientific research by approved institutions.
Alessio Butti, the undersecretary for digital transformation, said the law “brings innovation back into the public interest, steering AI toward growth, rights, and full protection of citizens.”
The Agency for Digital Italy and the National Cybersecurity Agency will enforce the legislation, which received final parliamentary approval after a year of debate.
Last March, Meloni emphasized the need for an “Italian way” to develop and govern AI, calling it “the greatest revolution of our time.” She stressed that AI can only reach its full potential if developed within an ethical framework focused on people and their rights.
The law also allocates up to €1 billion (£870 million) from a state-backed venture capital fund to support companies in AI, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. Critics, however, argue this amount is modest compared to investments by the US and China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Italys new AI law designed to be clear and helpful for a wide audience
General Beginner Questions
Q What is this new AI law in Italy about
A Its a comprehensive set of rules created by Italy to govern how Artificial Intelligence systems can be developed and used within its borders It aims to ensure AI is safe transparent and respects fundamental human rights
Q Why is this a big deal
A Its a big deal because Italy is the first country in the European Union to pass its own national law specifically for AI While the EU is working on a blocwide AI Act Italy has taken the lead with its own regulations
Q Does this mean the EU doesnt have an AI law yet
A The EU is finalizing its own AI Act but its not fully in force yet Italys law is a national one that will work alongside the future EUwide rules potentially setting a stricter standard
Q What are the main goals of this law
A The main goals are to protect citizens from potential harms of AI promote ethical and trustworthy AI innovation and establish clear accountability for companies that develop and use AI
Definitions Scope
Q What exactly does the law consider AI
A It defines AI broadly as software that can for a set of humandefined objectives generate outputs such as predictions recommendations or decisions that influence real or virtual environments
Q Who does this law apply to
A It applies to any organization or public entity that develops deploys or uses AI systems within Italy regardless of where the company is based
Q Are some types of AI banned
A Yes the law prohibits or heavily restricts AI systems considered to pose an unacceptable risk This includes things like social scoring by governments and AI that uses subliminal techniques to manipulate behavior
Benefits Impact
Q How does this law benefit everyday people in Italy
A It gives people more rights and protections For example you have the right to be informed when you are interacting with an AI system and the right to challenge significant automated decisions made about you
Q How will this affect businesses and startups
A It creates a clear legal framework Businesses
