Introduction
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been emerging as a revolutionary technology that can radically transform the way your business works. Public administration . The implementation of AI systems promises to improve efficiency, reduce costs and optimize the services offered to citizens.
However, the adoption of these technologies also raises important ethical and legal questions that require careful consideration. In Italy and Europe, specific regulations are being developed to regulate the use of AI in the public sector , seeking to balance innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.
This article explores the main applications of AI in Public Administration, analyzing the potential benefits and challenges to be addressed, with a particular focus on the evolving regulatory framework that aims to ensure a responsible and transparent implementation of these advanced technologies.
Table of Contents
Examples of Implementations in Italy
In Italy, several public administrations have already implemented artificial intelligence solutions: In Italy, several public administrations have already implemented artificial intelligence solutions:
1. The Ministry of the Interior It uses AI systems for image analysis and facial recognition in security checks at airports and other sensitive locations.
2. The Revenue Agency It has adopted machine learning algorithms to identify potential cases of tax evasion, analyzing large amounts of data and identifying suspicious patterns.
3. The National Health System is experimenting with the use of AI for the early detection of certain diseases, such as breast cancer, through the automated analysis of radiological images.
4. Some cities , such as Milan and Turin, have implemented AI systems for traffic and public transport management, optimising flows and reducing road congestion.
5. The Ministry of Justice is testing AI solutions for the automatic analysis of legal documents and the classification of cases, in order to speed up judicial processes.
6. INPS (National Institute of Social Security) It uses AI to improve the efficiency of its services, for example in the automatic processing of performance requests and in the detection of potential fraud.
7. Some Italian regions are experimenting with the use of AI-powered chatbots to provide information and assistance to citizens on various public services.
8. The Ministry of Education is exploring the use of AI to personalise students' learning paths and to support teachers in assessing and monitoring pupils' progress.
9. The Italian Space Agency It uses AI algorithms for the analysis of satellite data, improving weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
10. Some local governments are implementing AI systems for the smart management of energy and water resources, optimizing consumption and reducing waste.
These implementations demonstrate how artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and finding applications in numerous industries.
Industries Where Artificial Intelligence Has the Greatest Impact
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing numerous industries, including:
1. Healthcare: AI is used to analyze medical images, predict disease risks, and personalize treatments.
2. Finance: AI algorithms aid in risk management, fraud detection, and trading automation.
3. Transportation: Self-driving vehicles and intelligent traffic management systems use AI to improve safety and efficiency.
4. Production: AI optimizes production processes, predicts maintenance, and improves quality control.
5. Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants offer 24/7 support and personalize the customer experience.
6. Marketing: AI analyzes consumer data to create targeted campaigns and predict market trends.
7. Energy: Intelligent systems optimize energy distribution and predict demand.
8. Education: Adaptive learning platforms personalize the educational experience for each student.
These applications demonstrate the potential of AI to transform industries and improve efficiency in many aspects of our lives. However, they also raise important ethical and social issues that need to be addressed, such as data privacy, accountability for automated decisions, and the impact on the labor market.
As AI continues to advance, it's critical to balance its benefits with careful consideration of its broader implications on society. This will require ongoing collaboration between developers, policymakers, ethicists, and the public to ensure that AI is implemented responsibly and in a way that benefits everyone.
European and Italian legislation for AI in the PA
European regulatory framework
The European Union has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework to regulate Artificial Intelligence.
This framework, launched in 2018 and significantly evolved in 2021, aims to position Europe as a global leader in trustworthy AI, setting clear rules to maximize the benefits of the technology while minimizing risks.
-
- Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (COM 2021/205): outlines the EU's intention to "make the public sector a pioneer in the use of AI"
- AI Act (Proposal for a Regulation COM 2021/206): establishes harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, classifying risks into four levels (unacceptable, high, limited and minimal)
- Commission Decision C(2023)3215 : standardisation request M/5932 which entrusts the European standardisation bodies CEN and CENELEC with the drafting of technical standards for artificial intelligence systems
Italian legislation
The public administration is facing a significant Digital transformation , led by the Digital Agenda and from ICT three-year plan . The implementation Of Artificial intelligence in public administration is a key aspect of this evolution.
The AI applications and the AI solutions must comply with the Compliance , especially in the Scope of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI . The use of AI in the PA must be responsible and transparent, with particular attention to AI models Employees.
The public administration represents a crucial sector where the artificial able To improve efficiency must be balanced with ethical and legal considerations.
-
- Three-Year Plan for Information Technology in the Public Administration 2024-2026 : expressly provides for the adoption of guidelines for the use of AI in the PA
- AgID Guidelines : adopted with Determination no. 17/2025, currently in public consultation until 20 March 2025, drawn up according to the procedure provided for by Article 71 of the Digital Administration Code
[ agid.gov.it ]
Requirements and Principles for the Use of AI in the PA
General principles
The adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Administration requires a structured and responsible approach, based on fundamental principles that guide its implementation and development. These principles form the foundation for ensuring that the use of AI generates real public value, while respecting citizens' fundamental rights and the necessary ethical standards.
The proposed framework is divided into eight key principles, ranging from operational efficiency to environmental sustainability, from safety to inclusiveness. These principles are not to be considered isolated, but as interconnected elements of an integrated system aimed at maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks.
-
- Improved services and reduced costs : automation of repetitive tasks to recover resources to be allocated to improving the quality of services
- Risk analysis : assessment of the risks associated with the use of AI systems according to the categories defined by the AI Act
- Transparency and accountability : ensure the interpretability of the models and provide adequate information to users
- Inclusivity and accessibility : respect for the principles of fairness, transparency and non-discrimination
- Privacy and security : adoption of high standards of security and protection of personal data
- Training and skills development : investment in staff training
- Standardization : consideration of international and European technical standardisation activities
- Sustainability : assessment of environmental and energy impacts
Specific Obligations for "High Risk" Systems
For AI systems classified as "high risk", in addition to the obligations of the AI Act, it is necessary to comply with:
-
- The principles of Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU
- The European Declaration on the Rights and Principles of the Digital Decade
- The Ethical guidelines for trustworthy AI AI HLEG1
Communication and Transparency Obligations
Transparency in the use of Artificial Intelligence systems is a fundamental pillar for maintaining citizens' trust in the Public Administration. PAs are required to implement Clear and understandable communication protocols , ensuring that users are always aware of how they interact with automated systems.
PAs must:
- Clearly signal when a user interacts with an automated system instead of a human operator
- Provide understandable explanations of AI-generated outcomes
- Offer the possibility to request human support
- Ensure accessibility of the information also to people with disabilities
Source: [ agid.gov.it ]
Data Requirements
The quality and appropriate management of data are crucial elements for the success of Artificial Intelligence systems in the Public Administration. The basic requirements are divided into several levels:
Quality Criteria
– Accuracy: the data must be precise and verified
– Completeness: datasets must be comprehensive and representative
– Interoperability: compatibility between different systems must be ensured
– Up-to-date: data must be kept constantly current
– Consistency: information must be consistent across different sources
Structured Management
– Implementation of a data governance system
– Definition of roles and responsibilities in data management
– Adoption of standardized procedures for collection and processing
– Continuous monitoring of data quality
– Detailed documentation of management processes
Traceability and Transparency
– Recording the origin of the data
– Documentation of the transformations carried out
– Implementation of logging systems
– Ensuring the accessibility of information
– Compliance with privacy regulations
The 13-step path required by the Italian guidelines integrates these requirements into a comprehensive operational framework, providing PAs with a practical tool for implementing effective and compliant AI systems, from strategy definition to implementation and continuous improvement.
The 13-Step Path to Implementing AI in Public Administration
The Three-Year Plan for Information Technology in the Public Administration 2024-2026 provides a structured path for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Italian PAs. Below are the 13 fundamental steps that make up this path.
1. Preliminary Analysis and Goal Setting
Identify areas where AI can bring the most benefits, considering both internal processes and citizen-facing services. This phase requires the definition of clear and measurable objectives.
2. Risk Assessment
Perform a thorough analysis of the potential risks associated with AI implementation, following the AI Act's classification (unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal risk).
3. Acquisition of Knowledge on International Standards
Understand the applicable international standards, with particular reference to the European standards of CEN-CENELEC and international ones such as ISO/IEC 20546 and ISO/IEC 22989.
4. Resource Planning
Provide adequate resources for the development, implementation, and maintenance of AI systems, including hardware, software, and specialized personnel.
5. Mapping the Skills Needed
Identify the technical, managerial, and ethical skills required to effectively implement and manage AI in the PA.
6. Internal Skills Development
Activate training and upskilling programs for existing staff through workshops, courses and partnerships with academic institutions.
7. Definition of the Organizational Model
Differentiate between skills to be developed internally and those to be outsourced, balancing internal resources and outsourcing to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
8. Preparation of Technical Tools
Equip yourself with the necessary tools for risk analysis, evaluation of AI systems and performance monitoring, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
9. Data Management
Implement procedures to ensure high quality, representativeness and absence of bias in the data used to train AI systems, developing specific guidelines for data collection and processing.
10. Identification of the Processes to be Exploited
Identify the services and processes that can benefit most from integration with AI, establishing priorities based on the potential impact.
11. Development or Acquisition of the Solution
Decide whether to develop the solution in-house or acquire it from external vendors, ensuring interoperability with existing systems in any case.
12. Implementation and Testing
Build the solution in a controlled environment, perform extensive testing to verify functionality, security, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on ethical aspects.
13. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Activate a system of constant monitoring of the performance of the AI systems implemented, collecting user feedback and making continuous improvements.
This structured path allows public administrations to adopt AI in a conscious and responsible way, maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.
The administrations that have already embarked on this path, such as INAIL, INPS and ISTAT, represent significant case studies for the entire Italian public sector.
The correct implementation of these 13 steps it allows not only to comply with current regulations, but also to develop a strategic vision of AI as a tool to improve administrative efficiency and the quality of services offered to citizens.
Digital assistance for your PA
Do you represent a Public Administration that wants to implement AI solutions?
Our specialized chatbot, trained on the AgID Guidelines and current legislation, is ready to answer all your questions and guide you on the path of innovation.
Consult the support service now to implement AI solutions in your administration :
