Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent ban on the newly minted and highly touted AI platform ChatGPT has been followed by a proposal to ban the English language itself. Having voiced her concerns over the security risks and privacy concerns that come with the use of ChatGPT, she has also voiced her concerns about the erosion of the Italian language due to the perceived over use of English as a substitute. While many have argued that banning English would be a step backwards considering the fact that English happens to be the common language used by many other nations that Italy has ties with, the Italian prime minister is resolute in her decision and opinions. Her party has proposed a 100,000 euro fine on any public or private entities using the English language in official correspondence or in denoting the designations their employees hold. If the bill for the protection and promotion of the Italian language, as it is called is passed it would make Italy the first country to do so and take a stand against what they are calling Anglomania.
The bill is yet to take effect as it would have to be passed by both the houses of the Italian parliament to do so. Whether that will happen or not is yet to be seen as the validity of the bill has been questioned on multiple fronts and it is being seen by some as not a very pragmatic course of action. Giorgia Meloni herself has come under fire as many, including respected news forum Reuters has pointed out that she has used foreign words in her speeches while emphasizing the importance of the Italian language and culture. This in itself has been seen as a mixed signal by those who oppose the proposed bill.