Italy has become the first EU nation to pass a national AI law aligned with the EU’s AI Act, implementing stricter regulations in sectors such as healthcare and public administration. This bold move raises questions about whether other European countries will follow suit or create their own regulatory paths.
Italy has become the first EU Member State to adopt a comprehensive AI Framework Law, approved on September 17, 2025. This statute complements the EU AI Act by defining principles, allocating supervisory powers, and introducing national rules in sensitive sectors like healthcare and employment.
Korea’s upcoming Basic Act on AI, effective January 2026, aims to position the country as a leader in the global AI landscape while grappling with the tension between innovation and regulation. The act is intended to foster a competitive environment for startups, but concerns have been raised that broad regulatory measures could inadvertently favor established companies over emerging ones.
The European Commission has ruled out a pause in the implementation of the AI Act, despite calls from various leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, due to concerns over risks. The Commission remains focused on ensuring the effective application of the rules, with plans for a digital simplification package set to be released in December.
Italy has become the first country in the European Union to enact a national law regulating artificial intelligence, requiring parental consent for children under 14 to access AI systems. The law introduces penalties for AI misuse, mandates human oversight in critical decision-making, and allocates up to €1 billion to support AI and cybersecurity ventures.
The European Union has finalized a groundbreaking artificial intelligence law, establishing the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI that targets major US tech companies. This legislation categorizes AI applications by risk level, imposing strict rules on high-risk systems while banning unacceptable uses entirely.
Ireland has designated 15 authorities to monitor compliance with the EU’s AI Act, making it one of the first EU countries ready to enforce the new rules. A National AI Office will be established to coordinate enforcement and liaise with EU institutions.
The Government has designated 15 competent authorities under the EU’s AI Act and plans to establish a National AI Office by August 2, 2026, to serve as the central coordinating authority in Ireland. This office will ensure consistent implementation of the act and facilitate access to technical expertise while promoting AI innovation and adoption.
The EU AI Act requires that any entity placing an AI model on the EU market determines if it qualifies as a general-purpose AI model (GPAI). This classification is essential for understanding the applicable provisions under the Act, which define a GPAI model as one capable of performing a wide range of tasks and integrating into various systems.
Global companies need to navigate the differing AI regulations in the European Union and Australia, with the EU’s AI Act setting stringent requirements based on risk levels, while Australia adopts a phased approach with proposed guardrails for high-risk AI. Understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and can provide a competitive edge in the tech industry.