Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli summarises Italy’s plans to tackle AI-related crime.
Italy has taken the first steps towards introducing tougher penalties for crimes using artificial intelligence (AI).
A draft new law that was published on April 9 proposes heavier penalties for market rigging involving the use of AI tools. The bill also stipulates that the use of AI for money laundering represents an aggravating element.
The 25-article draft bill lays down general principles relating to “research, experimentation, development, adoption and application” of AI in Italy, in an attempt to cope with “the impact on fundamental rights” and related economic and social risks.
The document anticipates the use of AI tools in the health sector and in the judiciary. It focuses on AI’s potential impact on job conditions and goes some way to preparing the ground for a national AI strategy. The bill also sets out a system of fines for copyright violations involving AI. It proposes a jail term of up to three years for those who use AI to replace other persons – a move that could target harmful deepfakes.
Italy’s cabinet is reportedly set to give the go-ahead to the bill by the end of April. It will then make its way through parliament for any further revisions to be made before final approval and it coming into effect.
Italy holds the presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) forum of democracies for 2024. Its Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said AI will be a key issue of its presidency.
Italy’s stance comes at a time when the European Union (EU) is moving towards introducing the world’s first rules on AI tools, which will have to comply with both transparency obligations and EU copyright laws.
