Artificial intelligence and digital platforms: opportunities and risks in light of the recent regulatory framework

Abstract

The application of AI within digital platforms represents a revolution that enables numerous opportunities but also poses significant risks. Indeed, through automated processes it helps to improve the user experience and facilitate Activities such as e-commerce and smart contrActs. However, these advances are accompanied by risks related to the rigidity of AI systems – which may lead to errors or harm users due to the absence of direct human intent – but also related to challenges in protecting privacy and personal data, as platforms, thanks in part to AI, process vast amounts of information in ways that may not fully comply with strict regulations such as the GDPR.  This paper addresses these issues and examines their implications in light of the recent regulatory framework that has emerged (and which has recently been supplemented by Law l. no. 132/2025 on AI), which appears to be oriented toward building a digital ecosystem grounded in transparency, fairness, and the protection of fundamental rights, in an attempt to balance the needs of innovation and competitiveness with those of safeguarding the individual