Italy Becomes First EU Country to Pass Comprehensive AI Law

Italy has become the first EU country to pass a comprehensive national law on artificial intelligence, aimed at balancing protection and innovation. The new legislation, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, aligns with the EU’s broader AI Act.

The law imposes criminal penalties, including prison terms, for those who use AI to cause harm, such as creating malicious deepfakes.

It also sets rules for AI use in sectors like healthcare and education, and requires parental consent for children under 14 to access AI services.

The legislation seeks to promote "human-centric, transparent, and safe AI use" while safeguarding innovation and privacy.