The Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) is an independent body, established by Law 249 of 1997. The main function of the Authority is to guarantee fair competition among market operators and to protect the fundamental freedoms of users as consumers.

AGCOM also plays an active role in overseeing the telecommunications market, in order to guarantee citizens and businesses the freedom of expression enshrined in Article 21 of the Italian Constitution. 

The profound changes brought about by digitalization have led the Authority to extend its oversight to the principles established for internet communication, specifically: freedom of communication, secrecy and integrity of communications, freedom of economic initiative in a competitive regime, and non-discriminatory access to the market.

To protect pluralism of information, AGCOM has the power, through its Council, to ascertain the existence of dominant positions in the radio and television sector and to adopt consequent measures.

The Authority's scope of action is very broad, as it carries out regulatory and supervisory functions in the sectors of electronic communications, audiovisual, publishing, postal services and, more recently, online platforms.

Annually, the Authority prepares a report on its activities and the state of implementation of the relevant legislation, which is submitted to Parliament.

AGCOM is composed of the following bodies, whose members remain in office for a period of seven years:

• the President: Giacomo Lasorella;
• the Commission for Infrastructure and Networks, formed by the President and Commissioners Antonello Giacomelli and Laura Aria;
• the Commission for Services and Products, composed of the President and Commissioners Massimiliano Capitanio and Elisa Giomi;
• the Council, consisting of the President and all Commissioners.

The four commissioners of the Authority are elected half by the Chamber of Deputies and half by the Senate of the Republic, while the President is proposed directly by the Prime Minister in agreement with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. These appointments are then approved by Presidential decree.