Italy becomes first EU country to pass law regulating use of AI
Italy has become the first country in the European Union to approve a comprehensive law covering the use of artificial intelligence.
The new regulations, which criminalise any use of AI technology intended to cause harm to others, were passed into law by Italy's Senate on Wednesday.
Under the new rules, illegally disseminating AI-generated content, including deepfakes, is punishable with a prison sentence of between one and five years if the content is found to have caused harm.
Offences including fraud and identity theft will be subject to harsher penalties if they involve the use of AI, while AI-driven text and data mining will only be allowed for non-copyrighted content or scientific research by authorised institutions.
The new rules also require children under the age of 14 to receive parental consent to access AI technology.
Italy's undersecretary for digital transformation, Alessio Butti, praised the new law, saying it would “bring innovation back within the perimeter of the public interest, steering AI toward growth, rights and full protection of citizens”.
Italy to trial first flight with large dogs in cabin next week
Italy is set to trial its first flight allowing medium- and large-sized dogs into the cabin next week, following a landmark change to the country's air travel regulations, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini announced on Tuesday.
In May, Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC updated its rules to remove the long-standing 8-10kg maximum weight limit for dogs accompanying their owners on planes.
The test flight, operated by Italian flag carrier ITA, is scheduled to travel from Milan to Rome on Tuesday, September 23rd, according to La Repubblica.
Salvini, who championed the rule change, said on Tuesday the reform "has been welcomed in Italy and sparked debate around the world."
The move was hailed by some outlets as a "pet travel revolution" when it was first announced earlier this year, with some arguing that it could have "significant economic repercussions" for Italy.
However, critics pointed out that the requirement for the dogs to be transported in carriers secured to seats would likely exclude larger animals.
Italy says any trade sanctions against Israel must avoid harming civilians
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday that any potential trade sanctions imposed against Israel by the EU must avoid harming the local population, according to AFP.
The European Union on Wednesday proposed curbing trade ties with Israel, but the move was met with reluctance by a number of key member states, including Italy, Germany and Greece.
"We will evaluate new proposals for trade sanctions, keeping in mind that there must be no negative impact on the Israeli civilian population," Tajani told the Italian Senate.
The minister added that Rome would strongly support any new sanctions against Israeli settlers and ministers with "unacceptable positions" on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
"What is happening in Gaza is an unacceptable tragedy,” he said, noting that the government was “firmly opposed” to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, as well as “any suggestion of forcible transfer of Palestinians from the Strip."
With reporting from AFP.
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