The person at the centre of artificial intelligence
ROME — Sergio Mattarella’s call for the centrality of man must guide the development of artificial intelligence and the work of those involved in communication. This is the position expressed by Domenico Colotta, president of Assocomunicatori, commenting on the Head of State’s speech at the Festival of Regions and Autonomous Provinces in Florence. The statements are reported in a 9Colonne dispatch dated 26 October.
Manipulated information and public trust
For Colotta, the President’s words call upon communicators to a clear responsibility: to accompany innovation while safeguarding the quality of information, human dignity and democratic principles. The president of Assocomunicatori emphasises that content manipulation can already influence opinions and choices; with AI, he argues, the scope of the risk may grow further. “Every fabricated news item, every decontextualised narrative used for divisive or propagandistic purposes undermines the trust pact between citizens, institutions and the market,” states Colotta.
The effects on politics, economy and society
According to the interpretation offered by Assocomunicatori, the consequences span various areas. In political communication, manipulated content can weaken free debate and decision-making autonomy. In economic communication, it can distort choices and competition. In the social sphere, it can fuel polarisation and divisions. These are the risks highlighted by Colotta in his commentary, which places public trust at the centre of the reflection.
Florence and the reference to Humanism
Colotta connects the place of Mattarella’s speech to its cultural significance: Florence, cradle of Humanism and the Renaissance, evokes a vision of progress based on dignity and human potential. According to the president of Assocomunicatori, this perspective must guide technological, economic and social transitions. Innovation gains value when it serves the person, strengthens freedom and expands opportunities.
Source verification and professional responsibility
The proposal is not to slow down change, but to guide it with effective rules, transparency and responsibility. To communication professionals, Colotta assigns a decisive task: to check the accuracy of messages, verify sources and use new technologies consciously. Critical thinking, ethical responsibility and human relationships remain, in his analysis, essential references for communication capable of supporting informed citizens and collective awareness.
Mattarella’s speech
Assocomunicatori’s comment is part of the debate on the opportunities of artificial intelligence and the risks for information. IAnews24 previously dedicated an article to the President’s speech in Florence, with the official RaiNews video.
Mattarella in Florence: read the article and watch the video ↗Sources and documents
Document date or reference period: 26 October 2026 · 9Colonne dispatch, 16:57.
Editorial reworking of the 9Colonne dispatch of 26 October 2026, 16:57, code 9CO1855767, provided to the editorial office. The positions and assessments reported are attributed to Domenico Colotta, president of Assocomunicatori.
