Italy approves first rules on use of AI by police
Italian police will for the first time be able to use artificial intelligence in crime prevention, including through biometric data, after the government approved a decree on Wednesday setting out how law enforcement can use the technology.
Use of biometric data will only be permitted in what Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described as "exceptional" cases, such as a terrorist threat, or when trying to locate a missing person or a fugitive.
Piantedosi sought to reassure critics that the new rules would not usher in mass surveillance. "This won't be a Big Brother," he said, adding that all AI tools used by police would require human oversight and judicial authorisation.
The decree also requires authorities to keep records of how AI tools are used and to notify individuals when AI has been deployed against them, where legally possible.
Meloni vows to cut taxes further for middle earners
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged on Wednesday to reduce taxes for middle-income earners and ruled out a wealth tax, speaking at the annual assembly of retailers association Confcommercio in Rome.
"Others talk about taxing wealth, but we're working to ensure that Italians can aspire to wealth after decades of sacrifice," Meloni said.
The government cut the middle band of income tax IRPEF for earnings between 28,000 and 50,000 euros from 35 to 33 percent in the 2026 budget law.
She also linked Italy's falling birth rate to the need to offer better prospects to young people, calling the ageing population "one of our greatest economic problems."
Italy fines tobacco company Philip Morris for misleading consumers
Italy's competition watchdog AGCM said on Wednesday it had fined Philip Morris Italia €7 million for misleading consumers – including minors – over the dangers its vaping products pose to health, AFP reported.
"The advertisements mislead consumers into believing the products are harmless to health or less harmful compared to other tobacco products," it said in a statement.
AGCM said it had launched an investigation into Philip Morris Italia after a complaint from Italy's health ministry.
The agency said it found "the expressions and claims 'smoke-free', 'smoke-free products' and 'building/planning/accelerating a smoke-free future', used as part of a wider marketing strategy for its combustion-free tobacco products.
Philip Morris stated that it "strongly contests" the decision and would appeal.
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