EU Compliance Deadlines for AI Act, Pay Transparency Rules and DEI Regulations That Conflict with US Policy Result in Increase in Work for European Employment Lawyers: Report – Law.com

Report on Italy’s National AI Legislation and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Landmark Legislative Framework for Sustainable Development

On September 22, 2025, Italy enacted a comprehensive national law on Artificial Intelligence, becoming the first European nation to establish a domestic framework in alignment with the EU AI Act. This legislation introduces stringent regulations that directly support the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible innovation, protecting human rights, and strengthening institutional governance.

Core Legislative Pillars and Their Contribution to the SDGs

The Italian AI law is structured around key regulatory areas designed to mitigate risks and foster ethical AI development. These provisions are intrinsically linked to specific SDG targets.

• Regulation of Deepfakes: By implementing strict rules on AI-generated synthetic media, the law directly addresses SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by combating misinformation and protecting democratic processes. It also supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by preventing the use of deepfakes for harassment and discrimination, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
• Child Protection Measures: The emphasis on protecting minors from harmful AI applications is a direct contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16.2 (End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children). It aims to ensure a safe digital environment for learning and development.
• Sector-Specific Oversight: The establishment of oversight mechanisms for AI deployment in critical sectors promotes SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering sustainable and resilient technological development. It also underpins SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by ensuring that AI integration into the economy is managed responsibly and ethically.

Expert Analysis: Institutional Integrity and Global Partnerships

Legal analysis from prominent law firms highlights the law’s dual role in advancing SDG 16 by creating robust institutions while also revealing challenges in its implementation. The alignment with the EU AI Act serves as a model for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating regional cooperation for regulatory harmonisation.

1. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer & Clifford Chance Analysis: Legal experts commend the law’s bold approach as a significant step towards building effective and accountable institutions (SDG 16). The clear regulatory landscape is seen as a catalyst for attracting responsible investment, thereby supporting SDG 9.
2. Orsingher Ortu Perspective: Commentary from the Italian firm points to potential challenges, including regulatory overreach and a perceived lack of fully independent oversight. These critiques underscore the ongoing effort required to fully realize the objectives of SDG 16, which calls for transparent and accountable governance structures.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article’s central theme is Italy’s creation of a “comprehensive national AI law.” This action directly contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by establishing a legal framework for a powerful new technology. The discussion of “sector oversight” and criticism regarding the “lack of independent oversight” are directly related to the strength, accountability, and transparency of these new institutional frameworks.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Artificial Intelligence is a cornerstone of modern innovation and industry. By passing a law to regulate AI, Italy is shaping the governance of its technological and industrial sectors. This legal framework influences how AI innovation is developed, deployed, and integrated into the national infrastructure, which is a key aspect of SDG 9.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• While not explicitly stated, the introduction of “strict rules on deepfakes” has a strong connection to SDG 5. Deepfake technology is disproportionately used to create non-consensual pornographic material targeting women and girls. Regulating this technology is a critical step in combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence and protecting women’s rights in the digital space.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

• The article focuses on the creation of a national AI law and mechanisms for “sector oversight.” This represents the development of new institutions to govern technology. The criticism cited in the article about a “lack of independent oversight” directly addresses the challenge of ensuring these new institutions are truly effective and accountable.

Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

• The law’s “strict rules on deepfakes” are a direct measure to protect fundamental freedoms by combating misinformation and protecting an individual’s right to their own image and reputation. Furthermore, the emphasis on “child protection” is a clear effort to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of a vulnerable population in the context of AI.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Implied Indicators

• Existence of a comprehensive national AI law: The article’s primary subject is that Italy “has become the first European country to pass a comprehensive national AI law.” The existence of this legislation itself serves as a key indicator of progress in establishing the rule of law for emerging technologies.
• Establishment and independence of regulatory bodies: The article mentions the creation of “sector oversight” but also notes criticism for a “lack of independent oversight.” This implies that a crucial indicator for measuring the effectiveness of the new institution (Target 16.6) is not just the existence of an oversight body, but its degree of independence and power.
• Inclusion of specific protective provisions in legislation: The article highlights that the law includes “strict rules on deepfakes” and “child protection.” The presence of these specific clauses within the legal text can be used as a direct indicator of the state’s commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms (Target 16.10).

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: law.com