Italy has adopted a law regulating the use of artificial intelligence, introducing severe penalties for the distribution of deepfakes.

The law adopted by the Italian Senate specifically targets the deepfake phenomenon, which allows the creation of false materials that can mislead the public. It introduces harsh penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years for individuals who distribute deepfakes without permission. Italy becomes the first country in the EU to implement a national legal framework for AI, establishing rules for the responsible use of technologies and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens. The Italian government will develop detailed regulations to ensure compliance with ethical principles.