On 17 September 2025, the Italian Senate approved a landmark law governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace, marking Italy’s first comprehensive legislative framework for managing AI’s ethical and operational impact on employment. The law establishes clear parameters for the use of AI tools in recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee monitoring, aiming to balance technological innovation with fundamental labour rights.
A key feature of the legislation is its focus on algorithmic transparency—employers must inform workers about the criteria, logic, and decision-making processes behind automated systems that influence hiring or workplace conditions. Employees are granted the right to access information on how AI-driven decisions affect them, thereby enhancing accountability and procedural fairness.
The law also introduces mandatory consultation with trade unions before implementing workplace AI systems, ensuring collective oversight and preventing potential misuse of technology for discriminatory or exploitative purposes. These provisions reflect a commitment to fairness, inclusion, and human-centred governance.
Aligning closely with the European Union’s ethical framework for AI, the legislation reinforces principles of transparency, non-discrimination, and human oversight. It underscores Italy’s proactive role in shaping responsible AI regulation within Europe, positioning the country as a model for integrating digital transformation with social protection. Overall, the law represents a forward-looking balance between innovation and rights protection in the evolving world of work.