The Italian Republic Becomes First in European Union to Pass Comprehensive Legislation Governing Use of AI

Italy has become the first nation in the European Union to adopt a sweeping regulation governing the use of AI, including enforcing jail sentences on those who use the technology to inflict damage, such as producing synthetic media, and limiting child access.

The conservative government stated that the legislation, which aligns with the European Union's pioneering Artificial Intelligence Act, is a critical move in shaping how AI is used across the country.

The goal is to promote “people-focused, transparent and safe artificial intelligence usage” while emphasising “innovation, digital security and privacy protections”.

The legislation establishes prison sentences of between one and five years for the illegal distribution of artificially created or altered material if it causes harm.

There will also be harsher penalties for using the technology to commit offenses, such as fraud and personal data theft, and tighter openness and manual supervision rules regulating how the technology is used in workplaces as well as in a variety of industries such as healthcare, schooling, legal systems and sport.

In addition, minors under the age of 14 will need guardian approval to use artificial intelligence.

When it comes to copyright, the law specifies that works created with AI assistance are protected if they originate from genuine intellectual effort, while AI-driven content extraction will only be permitted for public domain information or academic studies by authorised institutions.

A government representative said that the law “brings innovation back within the perimeter of the public interest, guiding AI toward growth, rights and complete safeguarding of citizens”.

The government has appointed state-run bodies to enforce the legislation, which received its final approval in the parliament after a year of debate.

Discussing the topic of AI last year, the leader said: “There should and will be an national approach when it comes to AI, an Italian way to advance AI and an local strategy to regulate AI.”

She considered the innovation to be “the biggest revolution of our era”, but said it could only realize its full potential “if it is created within a framework of ethical rules that prioritize people and their entitlements and needs”.

The law permits up to one billion euros from a government-supported investment scheme to support businesses engaged in AI, digital protection and communications, although skeptics argue the amount is small compared with investments being made by other nations.