Blockchain technology has, over the years, gained significant recognition, initially within individual Member States of the European Union and, with considerable effort, has recently achieved a more comprehensive regulation through the promulgation of the so-called artificial intelligence (AI) Act that represents a significant step toward a unified regulatory framework for emerging technologies, including blockchain. The AI Act, although primarily addressing AI, contains provisions that influence the use and development of blockchain within the European Union. This regulation seeks to harmonize technological standards, ensuring compliance, security, and ethical considerations in decentralized applications. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the stagnant Italian legislative approach toward blockchain, highlighting gaps and challenges in the current system. It further explores the AI Act’s impact on blockchain technology, emphasizing the opportunities and regulatory constraints it introduces. By examining these aspects, this paper aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolving European legal landscape and its implications for blockchain innovation.
Business Law Review