Italy rolls out AI Act rules: new obligations for law firms, schools and companies

From 2 August 2026 Italian law firms must comply with EU AI Act transparency and training requirements. Firms must catalogue all AI tools, display clear notices when a chatbot or generative system is used, and provide documented training for staff. Non‑compliance can trigger sanctions under the AI Act.

The government has also approved two implementing decrees allocating a total of €200 million to introduce AI education across the school system. The funds will support curriculum updates, teacher training and digital labs, extending an earlier €100 million package. Schools are required to embed AI competence throughout all levels of education and allocate 40 % of new grants to southern regions.

A third decree creates a national enforcement framework. The Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) will coordinate inspections, while sectoral authorities such as the Bank of Italy, CONSOB and IVASS supervise high‑risk AI systems in finance, insurance and other sensitive domains. The data‑protection authority retains its AI‑related powers. The regime adds civil and criminal liability for AI‑related damages and allows unannounced inspections.

At EU level, the European Parliament approved amendments to the AI Act, mandating labeling of AI‑generated content by 2 December 2026 and banning AI‑generated sexual abuse material by the same date. High‑risk AI systems will face additional compliance deadlines in December 2027 and August 2028. A voluntary European labeling code was also published to help providers meet transparency obligations.