Italy the first country in EU to regulate use of AI

The bill introduces prison sentences of between one and five years for the illegal spreading of AI-generated or manipulated content if it causes harm

Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government said the legislation, which aligns with the EU’s landmark AI Act, is a decisive move in influencing how AI is used across Italy. File Picture: PA

Italy has become the first country in the EU to approve a comprehensive law regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including limiting child access and imposing prison terms on those who use the technology to cause harm, such as generating deepfakes.

Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government said the legislation, which aligns with the EU’s landmark AI Act, is a decisive move in influencing how AI is used across Italy.