Italy introduces new AI regulations for workplace safety and decision-making

Italy has implemented Legislative Decree no. 179/2026, introducing new regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in employment relationships. The decree emphasizes an anthropocentric approach, strengthening human supervision in decision-making processes and establishing new obligations for algorithmic transparency.

A key provision under Article 41 prohibits employers from making decisions based solely on automated processing regarding specific aspects of the employment relationship. Additionally, the decree introduces new health and safety requirements. Under Article 42, which implements provisions of the European AI Act, both private and public companies must assess the impact of AI technologies on the psychophysical well-being of employees.

Employers are required to update their occupational safety documentation to account for risks such as technostress, anxiety regarding algorithmic surveillance, and errors resulting from AI hallucinations or faulty model outputs. The assessment must cover organizational tasks, work rhythms influenced by algorithmic scheduling, and the use of predictive algorithms in maintenance and operational processes.