Italy: Adopted Decree-law n.123 on safety of minors in the digital environment including age verification requirement

On 15 September 2023, the Decree-law n.123 on safety of minors in the digital environment, including an age verification requirement, was adopted by the Italian government. The decree establishes that minors' access to pornographic content is prohibited due to its negative impact on their dignity and well-being and requires website managers and video-sharing platform providers to verify users' age to prevent minors under eighteen from accessing pornographic material. The decree requires the Authority for Communications Guarantees (AGCOM) to establish technical and procedural guidelines within sixty days, in consultation with the data protection authority, to ensure age verification processes are secure and minimise the collection of personal data. Within six months, website managers and platform providers must implement effective age verification systems that are compliant with the established guidelines. The AGCOM will oversee compliance and notify non-compliant parties, as well as impose corrective measures, including site or platform suspension until compliance is achieved.