Italy Becomes First EU Country to Pass Comprehensive AI Law

Italy has set a precedent in the European Union by enacting sweeping legislation to regulate artificial intelligence. The Italian Senate's final approval marks the culmination of a year-long debate, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government framing it as a landmark MOVE to govern technological deployment nationwide.

The law imposes stringent penalties for violations, emphasizing human-centric and transparent AI use while attempting to balance innovation, cybersecurity, and economic growth. Its scope spans healthcare, education, justice, workplaces, and public services, with stricter controls on AI access for minors under 14.

Alessio Butti, undersecretary for digital transformation, stated the legislation realigns innovation with public interest, prioritizing citizen rights and protections. The law introduces criminal penalties for disseminating harmful AI-generated content like deepfakes, carrying prison terms of one to five years. AI-enabled fraud, market manipulation, or money laundering now warrant harsher sentences, with judicial oversight remaining absolute.