Italy's AI initiatives focus on ethics, privacy, health and labor

A series of Italian events and statements in July 2026 highlighted the country's multifaceted approach to artificial intelligence. APRAonline organised a free online webinar, "Magnifica Humanitas," on 7 July to discuss how universities can integrate AI without undermining critical thinking. On 2 July, a conference at Rome's Foro Italico, hosted by Urbano Consulting and ASSO‑DPO, examined the balance between AI‑driven scientific research and personal data protection, emphasizing the EU’s new “broad consent” guidelines.

Pasquale Stanzione, president of the Autorità Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, stressed the need for safeguards when using AI in healthcare, arguing that responsible AI can improve diagnosis and patient care while preserving dignity. In his annual report to Parliament, Stanzione also described AI as “the new infrastructure of power,” linking it to European strategic autonomy under the Chips Act and Cloud and AI Development Act.

In the Puglia region, assessor Eugenio Di Sciascio proposed a permanent regional observatory to monitor AI’s impact on employment, involving trade unions, experts and Enel to ensure the technology supports rather than replaces jobs. Meanwhile, Fabio Panetta, governor of the Bank of Italy, warned that unlocking AI’s productivity gains requires substantial “patient” capital and risk financing, as investments in immaterial assets such as algorithms and staff training are costly and have uncertain returns.