Italy implements AI facial recognition for law enforcement

Following recent civil unrest and violence in Milan, the Italian government is promoting the use of artificial intelligence for facial recognition to identify individuals involved in crimes. The Fratelli d'Italia party has issued statements asserting that individuals attempting to hide their identities with masks or hoods will still be held accountable through biometric identification.

Legislative Decree 160, which came into effect on September 30, 2026, regulates the use of AI in policing activities. Under Article 10, retrospective facial recognition can be authorized by a judge for preliminary investigations. Article 8 establishes specific requirements and authorizations for real-time remote biometric identification. While the law introduces certain safeguards, it consolidates the role of automated analysis in public security, allowing authorities to identify suspects after an incident has occurred.