In 2021, Italy issued its national AI strategy, the Strategic Programme on Artificial Intelligence 2022-2024. This plan builds on earlier proposals and outlines 24 policy initiatives across three key areas: talent and skills, research, and applications. The strategy explicitly aligns with the European approach, acknowledging Italy's role in shaping EU-wide AI governance.
A core principle is that "Italy's AI is a European AI," signalling the country's commitment to coordinated action at the EU level. The strategy also emphasises developing AI that is human-centered, trustworthy and sustainable.
Italy has taken several steps to promote ethical AI development. These include endorsing the OECD AI Principles and joining the Global Partnership on AI, supporting the Rome Call for AI Ethics which advocates for a human-centric approach, signing the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics, and participating in the 2023 AI Safety Summit where it endorsed the Bletchley Declaration.
As an EU member, Italy is subject to the GDPR and has ratified Convention 108+, providing strong personal data protections. The Italian Data Protection Authority has been proactive in addressing AI-related privacy concerns, including investigating OpenAI and temporarily banning ChatGPT in 2023.
Italy has implemented restrictions on facial recognition technology, including a moratorium on video surveillance systems using facial recognition in public places until December 31, 2023 (now updated). In 2022, the country fined Clearview AI €20 million for unlawful data processing. The Data Protection Authority has also blocked police use of real-time facial recognition. However, some exceptions exist for law enforcement and there are ongoing debates about potential use in sports stadiums.
Italy is working to implement the EU AI Act, which will establish a comprehensive regulatory framework. This includes risk-based classifications for AI systems, transparency requirements, prohibitions on certain AI practices, and new oversight bodies and enforcement mechanisms. The Italian government will need to determine how to structure national governance bodies to align with the EU approach.
While Italy has made progress on AI governance, challenges remain. These include effectively implementing and enforcing the EU AI Act, balancing innovation with ethical and rights-based protections, addressing AI's impact on employment and inequality, and developing AI literacy across society.
As Italy assumes the G7 presidency in 2024, the country has an opportunity to further shape the global dialogue on responsible AI development. Priorities include fostering international cooperation and ensuring AI advances democratic values. Italy's approach to AI governance continues to evolve, with a clear focus on aligning national interests with broader European and international frameworks for ethical, human-centric AI development.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/