Italian Senate Approves AI Bill, Moves to Chamber of Deputies for Final Approval
Italy has taken a significant step toward regulating artificial intelligence (AI) Italy Advances AI Regulation with the approval of Bill No. 1146 by the Italian Senate on March 20, 2025. The legislation, which now moves to the Italian Chamber of Deputies for final approval, seeks to establish a national legal framework that complements and expands upon the European Union’s AI Act.
The bill focuses on several key areas, including data governance, national security, healthcare, labor, and intellectual property, aiming to facilitate the growth of AI technology while maintaining ethical and security standards. To support this initiative, the Italian government has committed a €1 billion investment fund to advance AI development, ensuring the country remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global tech industry.
At the heart of the legislation is the formation of an AI governance structure led by the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) and the Italian Cybersecurity Agency (ACN). Some critics have argued that the Italian Data Protection Authority would be a more independent overseer, but current indications suggest that AgID and ACN will retain this role. The bill primarily outlines legal principles and entrusts government agencies with the task of refining AI regulations, particularly in areas like data usage for AI training and professional AI-assisted decision-making.
National Security, Healthcare, and Data Protection Measures
One of the bill’s most notable provisions focuses on national security. Italy Advances AI Regulation used in the public sector must operate on servers located within Italy to safeguard citizens’ data and protect national interests. This aligns with the government’s broader cybersecurity and defense strategy, reinforcing Italy’s efforts to ensure secure AI deployment.
In the healthcare sector, the bill clarifies that AI is meant to support, rather than replace, medical professionals. AI systems can offer non-binding recommendations to enhance diagnoses and treatment plans. Furthermore, the government aims to establish a public AI system to assist healthcare professionals. Patients will be informed when AI is being used in their treatment, ensuring transparency.
Regarding health data, the bill recognizes that research conducted by non-profit public and private entities is exempt from requiring individual consent under GDPR’s Article 9.2.g, provided that privacy notices are made available. Organizations must notify the Italian Data Protection Authority when processing such data, ensuring oversight while enabling innovation in medical research.
Italy Advances AI Regulation in the Workplace, Intellectual Property, and Public Administration
In the workplace, the bill emphasizes worker protection and transparency. Employers must inform employees if AI is used in automated decision-making or monitoring processes, ensuring fairness and safeguarding workers’ rights. AI is expected to enhance productivity while maintaining ethical standards.
The legislation also addresses AI-generated content, stipulating that works created with AI assistance can be protected under copyright law as long as they result from the intellectual effort of a human author. This provision clarifies the legal standing of AI-assisted creative works and provides a framework for intellectual property rights in the digital age.
Additionally, the bill acknowledges AI’s potential to streamline public administration and judicial processes. However, it explicitly states that public officials and judges must retain full decision-making authority, preventing AI from making legally binding rulings.
While the bill introduces essential guidelines for Italy Advances AI Regulation ongoing discussions and potential amendments may refine its scope. As AI continues to evolve, Italy is engaging in a broader debate on balancing innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society without compromising fundamental rights. Governments and AI stakeholders worldwide will be closely watching how these policies unfold in the coming years.
