The Italian government is fast-tracking a decree that would allow police to retain biometric data for seven days from cameras in sensitive public areas and deploy real-time facial recognition to counter terrorism or locate missing persons, prompting warnings from Brussels and a walkout by opposition lawmakers.
The European Commission has stated that facial recognition in publicly accessible spaces is prohibited under the AI Act, though a spokesperson cautioned against prejudging the specific Italian case. Italy's data protection authority found the decree broadly aligned with the AI Act but deemed automated biometric processing of people entering public places inconsistent with European rules. Opposition parties denounced the move as a risk of mass profiling and left committee proceedings.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy would follow EU guidelines on facial recognition, while government sources insisted Rome remains committed to European law. The cabinet approved the proposal on June 10 and urged parliament to review it swiftly.