People in Italy are free to form and join associations and this right is guaranteed by law. Civil society organisations do not face legal obstacles with regard to official registration, they are easy to set up and are able to receive and use financial resources without interference. Associations can be either recognised or non-recognised. A recognised association is set up by public deed and must be registered with the competent register of legal persons trough a complex and expensive process. Non-recognised organisations, despite not having full legal capacity, are still legally constituted and can obtain tax concessions upon registration with the tax authority. A new law passed in 2016 simplifies the procedures for organisations to obtain legal personality. The law also aims to restructure civil society regulation through a Third Sector Code, where the development of a single register is included. Re-organisation of tax relief and economic support measures for third sector organisations is also proposed. Human rights defenders sometimes face restrictions including judicial harassment and threats, especially those working with the Roma minority in Italy or with refugees and migrant workers. In 2018, reports by Amnesty and the Trans National Institute describe the criminalisation of solidarity by CSOs in Italy. Pressure was particularly strong on Search and Rescue (SAR) NGOs.

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People in Italy have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The constitution requires prior notice be given to the authorities before a demonstration and establishes that public meetings may be prohibited only on the grounds of security and public safety. Legislation establishes that notification must be given at least three days in advance. Media is guaranteed access to public assemblies, however authorities can establish time and place limitations. Security forces can legally disperse a protest if is considered seditious, damaging to the prestige of the authorities, or threatening to the public order or the safety of citizens. There have been instances of clashes between protestors and security forces, which have used excessive force to control protests. 

Free expression is constitutionally guaranteed, however some challenges prevent this right from being fully respected in practice. Defamation is a criminal offense under the penal code and the legislation establishes penalties for up to three years in prison. Although there have been some attempts to decriminalise free speech, a final amendment has not been enacted. This provision is used to restrict speech and to curtail dissent. Journalists, including bloggers, face intimidation and attacks from the state, organised crime and other non-sate actors. The Italian civil society organisation Ossigeno documented over 350 free expression violations during 2017. Media ownership is highly concentrated and political influence over the media remains a serious concern. Italy has not enacted access to information legislation. There are no restrictions on internet connectivity and access to social media, although certain websites related to gambling and terrorism are subject to blocking or removal. Journalists and academics have also been prevented from reporting on migration centres in Italy.