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Italy imposes penalties for fabricated AI videos

Artificial intelligence-generated false videos proliferate online, and Italy heads the charge in legislating against this phenomenon.

Italy imposes penalties for fabricated artificial intelligence clips
Italy imposes penalties for fabricated artificial intelligence clips

Italy imposes penalties for fabricated AI videos

In a groundbreaking move, Italy has become the first European Union country to establish a national legal framework for the handling of Artificial Intelligence (AI), incorporating new European AI guidelines. This comprehensive law, approved by the Italian parliament, aims to address the circulation of AI-generated content, particularly in cases involving pornographic material.

The law, which applies to both businesspeople and individuals in Italy, punishes the spread of fake footage created using AI with up to five years in prison. This penalty also applies to the circulation of AI-generated photos and videos without the consent of the people shown.

The Italian government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has developed and promoted these regulations. The Agency for Digital Italy and the National Cybersecurity Agency serve as the national authorities for AI development, with the Bank of Italy and the market supervisory authority Consob playing key roles.

The law's general principles and objectives provide a foundation for the responsible use of AI in Italy. It specifically addresses the circulation of AI-generated photos and videos, ensuring that individuals' rights to privacy and dignity are protected.

The rise of AI-generated pornographic videos, primarily targeting women, including celebrities, has prompted the need for such legislation. The law's implementation is expected to deter such activities and provide a means for legal recourse for affected parties.

The Italian Senate approved this law with 77 votes in favour and 55 against, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding digital rights and combating the misuse of AI technology. The law in Italy thus serves as a significant step towards ensuring a safer digital environment for all its citizens.

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