The Italian Council of Ministers has approved a bill on Artificial Intelligence, with Italy aiming to become the first European country to legislate on this topic. Undersecretary for Innovation Alessio Butti, through his Department for Digital Transformation, will be responsible for coordinating the national AI strategy, which will be updated every two years. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had previously announced a financial allocation of one billion euros, positioning Italy as one of the leading European countries in terms of public financial commitment, after Germany and France. These investments will be made through the Venture Capital Support Fund. The European AI Act requires each member state to establish a “National AI Authority,” with Italy opting for a “dual” governance system involving the National Cybersecurity Agency led by Prefect Bruno Frattasi and the Agency for Digital Italy led by Mario Nobile.
Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio announced the approval of a provision aimed at penalizing those who cause harm by sending or disseminating fake images or voices created using AI without consent, with penalties ranging from 1 to 5 years of imprisonment. The measure aims to protect an individual’s image and the authenticity of their identity, recognizing that AI-generated content can now be highly realistic and deceiving. Nordio highlighted the need to address this potential for harm and emphasized that the use of AI in other crimes such as money laundering, identity theft, or fraud will also be subject to specific penalties. The legislation seeks to adapt the legal framework to address emerging threats and challenges posed by advancements in AI technology, ensuring accountability and deterrents against misuse.
The introduction of this legislation reflects Italy’s commitment to regulating and harnessing the potential of AI technologies while also protecting citizens from potential harms and abuses. By establishing clear guidelines and sanctions for the misuse of AI-generated content, the government is taking proactive steps to prevent malicious activities and preserve individual rights and privacy. The decision to allocate significant financial resources to AI research and innovation underscores the government’s recognition of the strategic importance of AI in driving economic growth and technological advancement. The dual governance system involving the National Cybersecurity Agency and the Agency for Digital Italy aims to ensure effective oversight and implementation of the national AI strategy.
Italy’s leadership in legislating on AI sets a precedent for other European countries to follow, encouraging the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks to govern the use of AI technologies in various sectors. The focus on promoting innovation and digital transformation through the strategic implementation of AI reflects Italy’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for societal benefit and economic progress. The government’s efforts to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential risks and abuses demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by AI advancements. Overall, Italy’s adoption of AI legislation marks a significant milestone in the broader European landscape, positioning the country as a key player in shaping the future of AI governance and innovation.
