Artificial Intelligence

AgID plays a central role in the regulation and promotion of Artificial Intelligence: it contributes to the definition of the national strategy in collaboration with other bodies and institutions, promotes the adoption of AI in public administration, ensures the ethics and security of its use, facilitates collaboration between the public and private sectors, and encourages innovation and the development of digital ecosystems based on this technology.

Together with the Department for Digital Transformation, AgID has updated the Italian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and published the 2024-2026 edition. 

The document reviews the global context and Italy's positioning and defines strategic actions grouped in four macro areas: Research, Public Administration, Enterprise and Training. These areas are linked by a number of important and transversal specific actions. The strategy also includes a monitoring system and a regulatory analysis defining the framework in which it will be implemented.  

Artificial intelligence is also addressed in the 2024-2026 edition of the Three-Year Plan. Chapter 5 provides operational guidance for the implementation of AI in public administration, with examples, best practices and a practical decalogue.

With Law No. 132 of 23 September 2025, entitled “Provisions and Delegations to the Government Concerning Artificial Intelligence”, Italy has taken a pioneering step, preceding other European nations, in the regulation of artificial intelligence.

This legislation is grounded in the principles of a human-centred, transparent, and secure approach to AI, with a particular focus on innovation, cybersecurity, accessibility, and privacy protection. It provides a comprehensive framework covering various areas of public interest, including healthcare, employment, public administration, justice, education, and sport. The law introduces safeguards, such as process traceability and human accountability, to ensure that the final decision-making process is always overseen by a real person.

From a governance perspective, Article 20 of the law designates the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) as one of the two national artificial intelligence authorities, alongside the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN).

AgID is tasked with promoting innovation and fostering the development of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the Agency is responsible for defining procedures and exercising functions related to the notification, evaluation, accreditation, and monitoring of organizations in charge of verifying the compliance of AI systems. Within its mandate, AgID also ensures the establishment and management of experimental environments.

The legislation also introduces a strategic planning mechanism: the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, to be drafted by the Department for Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, with the support of ACN and AgID and in collaboration with key sectoral authorities. This strategy shall be adopted and revised biennially.

The Guidelines for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration Guidelines for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration, adopted by Resolution No. 17/2025, were subject to a public consultation from 18 February to 20 March 2025, and the adoption process is currently underway. 

As stated in the Three-Year Plan for Information Technology in Public Administration 2024-2026, AgID's guidelines for the adoption, acquisition and development of AI systems in Public Administration will be issued in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 71 of the Digital Administration Code (CAD). Those already submitted for consultation specifically concern the methods for adopting Artificial Intelligence systems, with particular reference to regulatory compliance and organisational impact. 

Comments and suggestions from the consultation can be read via the Forum Italia platform. On the AgID YouTube channel, you can watch the webinar that illustrates the new features of the Guidelines, with guidance and clarifications (webinar slides: Tambato - Massimi - Ragone - Rotundo - Ciccotelli).