Last updated on October 22, 2025
Yes, ChatGPT can be used in Italian schools, but only under strict compliance with privacy regulations. The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali requires safeguards to protect minors and ensure lawful data processing.
AI Enters the Classroom—With Conditions
Italian schools are no strangers to digital transformation. From electronic registers to remote learning platforms, technology has steadily woven itself into the fabric of education. But when ChatGPT burst onto the scene, it wasn’t just another tool—it was a conversation starter. Could a chatbot trained on vast datasets become a classroom assistant? The answer is yes—but not without rules.
The Privacy Watchdog Steps In
In March 2023, Italy made headlines as the first Western country to temporarily block ChatGPT. The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali—the national data protection authority—raised concerns about unlawful data collection, lack of transparency, and the absence of age verification mechanisms. The platform was deemed non-compliant with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), especially in contexts involving minors.
Following negotiations, OpenAI implemented a series of corrective measures, including clearer privacy notices, age-gating features, and a commitment to transparency. The Garante later lifted the ban, but the message was clear: AI tools like ChatGPT must respect the rights of users, especially students.
Schools and Safeguards
The Garante’s official vademecum, Scuola a prova di privacy, outlines how educational institutions should handle digital tools. It emphasizes that any technology used in schools must ensure the protection of personal data, particularly for minors. This includes obtaining parental consent, minimizing data collection, and avoiding exposure to inappropriate content.
ChatGPT, while not banned, must be used responsibly. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to treat it as a supplementary tool—not a replacement for human instruction. Its use should be transparent, supervised, and aligned with educational goals. Students must be informed about how their data is processed, and schools must ensure that interactions with AI do not compromise privacy or safety.
Digital Literacy Meets Legal Literacy
The Italian education system is increasingly focused on digital citizenship. From combating cyberbullying to teaching responsible online behavior, schools are tasked with preparing students for life in a connected world. ChatGPT can play a role in this—helping with language learning, coding, or creative writing—but only if its use is framed within ethical and legal boundaries.
The Garante has also called for broader public awareness. In a recent ruling, it ordered OpenAI to launch a six-month information campaign across media channels to educate users about data rights and AI risks. This initiative reflects Italy’s commitment to balancing innovation with accountability.
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Sources
ChatGPT: Garante privacy, iniziato l’esame delle misure proposte da OpenAI
https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/9873602
April 8, 2023
“La scuola a prova di privacy” – Vademecum del Garante
https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/9887111
October 22, 2025