Artificial Intelligence: speech to Parliament by Andrea Bertolini, associate professor at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, on the critical issues of the Italian bill

Andrea Bertolini, associate professor of private law at the Dirpolis Institute of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and member of the board of the AI 4 Industry Foundation, spoke in Parliament on the Italian draft law on artificial intelligence. In his speech, Bertolini highlighted the complexity of the emerging regulatory framework and the need for careful coordination between the new Italian legislative proposal and the European Regulation on AI (EU Regulation 2024/1689). According to Bertolini, integration between the two regulatory levels is essential but problematic, due to ambiguities in both European legislation – starting with the broad and vague definition of ‘artificial intelligence system’ – and in the national bill. The risk, he explained, is that this will increase uncertainty for Italian companies, which will be forced to deal with unclear and potentially burdensome obligations.

Among the most critical issues, Bertolini pointed to shortcomings in coordination with labour law and personal data protection, two areas in which Italy has specific regulatory traditions and sensitivities. He also highlighted the inadequacy of current copyright provisions, calling for clarification on the creative role of humans and responsibility in AI use declarations.
Finally, Bertolini called for greater recognition of the role of the Data Protection Authority, especially in the difficult balance between the European AI Regulation and the GDPR. Regulatory clarity, he concluded, is a prerequisite for protecting fundamental rights and stimulating the responsible development of artificial intelligence in our country.