Italy Proposes New Artificial Intelligence Law
On May 20, 2024, a proposal for a law on artificial intelligence (AI) was introduced to the Italian Senate. The proposed law aims to establish general principles for AI development, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and responsibility. It outlines specific provisions for the healthcare sector and scientific research, and introduces rules for a national AI strategy and governance. Additionally, it includes amendments to copyright law to address AI-generated works.
The proposed law emphasizes the protection of fundamental rights in AI applications, requiring transparency, data protection, and cybersecurity throughout the AI system lifecycle. It also aims to simplify data protection obligations for scientific research in healthcare, allowing for secondary use of personal data without new consent if the research purpose changes. This provision aligns with recent amendments to the Italian Privacy Code.
In the healthcare sector, AI systems are intended to support prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic decisions, while ensuring that decision-making remains with healthcare professionals. The law mandates clear communication about AI use and its benefits to patients. For employment and regulated professions, AI systems must be safe, reliable, and transparent, with clear communication to workers and clients about AI usage.
The proposed law also introduces a national AI strategy to foster public-private partnerships and promote AI development. Two national authorities, AgID and ACN, are designated to oversee AI innovation, cybersecurity, and compliance with EU regulations. The law includes provisions for labeling AI-generated content and criminalizing the unauthorized dissemination of AI-altered media.
