Italy is preparing to equip itself with a comprehensive regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI). Bill No. 1146, presented by the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, represents the first attempt to systematize the principles, rules and opportunities linked to this technology, in line with theEuropean AI Act approved in March 2024.
This is a very broad measure—over 60 articles, including the text, technical report, and regulatory analysis—that touches on a variety of areas: healthcare, labor, public administration, justice, security, copyright, and even sports. This framework goes beyond establishing principles to introduce concrete tools such as the establishment of dedicated national authorities, a labor observatory, and an investment plan of up to one billion euros.
Below is one summary of the main contents, followed by a reflection on the implications for businesses and da alcuni critical comments.
The law opens with a clear reminder: AI must be anthropocentric, transparent and responsibleThe initial articles establish the fundamental principles:
A central point is the very definition of artificial intelligence system: an automated system, with varying degrees of autonomy, capable of generating outputs that influence physical or virtual environments. The concepts of "data" and "AI model" are also clarified.
Article 7 states that AI must be a support and not a substitute of the doctor: the decision always remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider. Systems to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are promoted, with the obligation to inform patients of the decision-making logic used.
The creation of a is also planned national healthcare AI platform managed by AGENAS, to support doctors and citizens in accessing services.
The text recognizes that AI can improve conditions and productivity, but underlines the need to transparency towards workers and respect for dignity. A Observatory on AI in the workplace at the Ministry of Labor, with monitoring, strategy, and training tasks.
Lawyers, consultants and professionals in general will be able to use AI only as a support tool. The client will have to be clearly informed when AI is used.
Public administrations will be able to use AI to streamline procedures and improve services, but always as a support to the human decision-maker, who remains responsible for the actions.
In courts, AI will be used only for organizational management and jurisprudential and doctrinal research. All decisions will be made exclusively by the judge.
AI activities for defense and intelligence purposes remain exempt from the law, but must respect fundamental rights.
The bill introduces a national strategy for AI, updated at least every two years, coordinated by the Presidency of the Council.
Two agencies become the national reference authorities:
It is also provided a Coordination Committee to ensure collaboration between authorities and with other administrations.
One of the most relevant aspects concerns the economic part:
The text also addresses sensitive aspects for citizens:
The bill amends the Criminal Code by introducing aggravating circumstances for crimes committed with the aid of AI, such as fraud, financial manipulation, or the dissemination of false content.
A new crime is foreseen: the “illegal dissemination of content generated or altered with AI”, punishable by imprisonment of up to five years.
For Italian companies, the bill represents at the same time a regulatory challenge has always been great growth opportunity.
Companies developing or using AI will have to comply with transparency, cybersecurity, and data quality standards. This will entail initial compliance costs but could strengthen consumer trust.
Innovative SMEs and startups will be able to access venture capital funds and public investments. For those operating in strategic sectors (AI, cybersecurity, 5G, quantum computing), the available resources are significant.
The emphasis on data localization and model transparency could favor Italian and European companies over large non-EU players.
Companies operating in the publishing and audiovisual sectors will have to integrate AI content labeling systems, with impacts on production and distribution.
The artificial intelligence bill marks a fundamental step: Italy officially recognizes AI as a strategic technology, to be governed by clear rules and support tools.
For citizens, the most obvious changes will concern the transparency of AI-generated content , privacy protection. For businesses, a season of investments and regulation which will be able to favor those who know how to combine innovation and responsibility.
The measure, still under parliamentary discussion, therefore represents an opportunity to strengthen national and European competitiveness, but its effectiveness will depend on its concrete implementation and the ability to support companies in their adaptation process.
