Butti: "It's wrong to ban smartphones for minors. SPID? A safer CIE."

New documents in the IT Wallet. Dialogue is underway with Europe regarding age verification for access to adult portals, but only if we avoid widespread bans on smartphone use, because the only solution to technology's problems can come from technology itself. Alessio Butti, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for technological innovation, touts the results achieved so far in the digitalization of services. He focuses on the IT Wallet, used by 5 million Italians, which, with the implementing decree currently being published, will see the addition of educational qualifications, ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator), and voter ID cards to the driver's license (which will become an official identification document in digital format). The electronic identity card requires more steps, but the goal is to have it by the end of the legislative session. He has no doubts about the future of Italians' digital identity: the government's priority is the CIE, not SPID.

Undersecretary, Europe has launched a pilot project to verify age online through an experimental app, and Italy is among the four countries chosen to conduct this test. How will this experiment be conducted?

“It is one of the issues I will discuss with EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen (the meeting is scheduled for today, July 17, ed.). But we've been working on this issue for quite some time, and we're doing so with the authorities responsible for online age verification in Italy. But given that this will be a pilot solution before the European digital wallet comes into force, it's clear that Italy was chosen due to the excellent results of the Italian digital wallet, IT Wallet.

When will the trial start?

"It's too early to tell; we'll first need to coordinate with Agcom and other interested parties."

What impact do you think age verification could have on the online lives of Italian citizens, and minors in particular?

"Look, this is an issue of biblical proportions. It will change the way young people access services and which services they can use. I just hope the scenario I least hope for doesn't come to pass."

What would it be?

"That we end up somehow banning minors from using devices. Look, I'm not arguing with Valditara at all. In fact, I agree with the ban in schools. But in recent months, I've been working with the tech industry. And I'm convinced that the problem isn't the device itself, but the content that travels on the phone. We can't declare war on technology. Technology is neutral; it's neither good nor bad. But we need to have maximum control over the content that travels on these devices."

Another possible scenario is that there is control, even excessive control, of content. And the internet around the world is increasingly subject to controls and blocks. How do you think we can reconcile child safety and internet control?

"Just as we did with the anti-piracy shield: with technology. Today, technology can help us control content. The issue is still a thorny one, because you're right: there's a risk of slipping into censorship. That's why we're working internationally to get major content producers to help governments with their controls. But I'm convinced that this isn't so much a technological problem as a cultural one. It's a cultural issue before it is a technological one."

The two implementing decrees for the IT Wallet provide for the inclusion of new documents in the digital wallet. However, what are perhaps the most important documents are still missing: the electronic identity card and passport. What is preventing their integration?

"The IT Wallet will increasingly include documents that can simplify the lives of citizens and public administrations. Regarding the Electronic Identity Card, there are no real obstacles. It's simply a longer evaluation and implementation process. Passports are not yet included in the IT Wallet due to specific security and international customs compliance requirements. However, we are evaluating global best practices for future integration in compliance with international regulations."

Is it realistic to think that this could be achieved by the end of the legislature?

"Of course. And let me say that if you're asking me this question and we're discussing this today, it's because I've been pushing for the electronic identity card for two years. If it weren't for that, today we'd only be talking about other digital identity systems."

Spid. It's no secret that you're focusing heavily on CIE.

"The government's goal is clear. And the electronic identity card is what Europe wants, too. We must, however, thank the work done by private individuals with SPID, which has addressed the shortcomings of previous governments regarding digital identity."

In recent months, there have been several news stories about SPID. They all involved attacks or successful hacking attempts. Do you think CIE is more secure than SPID?

"It's not just me saying it, the newspapers are writing it. Dozens of articles talk about hacking and violations; I have several right here in front of me. And Europe is saying it too: the future is the CIE."

Another delicate and complicated document to insert into your digital wallet: your passport.

"The passport issue is actually a bit more complicated. It involves multiple administrations. And the Italian passport is among the most powerful in the world. Incorporating it into the digital one isn't easy; it's a security issue. Making it digital without creating additional layers of digital bureaucracy isn't easy."

With the implementing decrees, the driving license entered in the It-Wallet serves only to demonstrate driving ability, not as an identification document. Will the implementing decree change this situation?

The implementing decree currently being prepared will make the digital driving license equivalent to a physical driving license as a form of identification. This will significantly expand the usability of the digital document, facilitating everyday use and strengthening the security of transactions and checks. Furthermore, a few weeks ago we implemented a much-requested feature: Wallet accessibility even offline.

Italy supported the AI Act. Today, however, many tech companies and hundreds of Italian startups are calling for a halt to the implementation of the European law, fearing risks to their ability to innovate. What are your thoughts? Could the AI Act hinder innovation and businesses?

Italy supported the AI Act precisely because it establishes a clear and reliable regulatory framework, essential for responsibly stimulating innovation. While some companies fear a potential slowdown, an appropriate regulatory framework can both prevent systemic risks associated with artificial intelligence and enable the technology's rapid development. We maintain an ongoing dialogue between institutions, industry, and research to ensure our AI ecosystem remains vibrant and growing.

In this context, how does the IA bill that bears your name fit in?

The bill recently returned to the Senate fits perfectly with the European AI Act, defining competent national governance, promoting public-private collaboration, and protecting citizens' rights. This legislation was extensively coordinated with all the institutions that participated in its drafting, and was strongly supported by President Meloni. We have also earmarked one billion in investments, keeping us among the top European providers of public funding for AI. It's worth noting that other European countries had announced tens of billions in investments, but in practice, we saw little more than one and a half billion spread over several years.

The Mattei Plan for Africa also includes a digital component, focusing on the development of AI in Africa, with Italy as a key hub. Can you explain why it's important for Italy to play this digital role?

The Mattei Plan, with the creation of an Italian AI Hub, aims to foster technology transfer and collaboration, thus creating economic and social opportunities for both continents. Moreover, Italy's location at the center of the Mediterranean makes it a natural strategic hub for projects aimed at creating synergies between Europe and Africa, from energy to (fundamental) projects related to submarine cables, and finally to digital. As demonstrated by the recent summit chaired by President Meloni, which led to agreements worth €1.2 billion for investment in Africa, the Government is working tirelessly to fully implement the Mattei Plan.