Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said her government is in talks with private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, over the country’s telecoms security system, but denied having discussed the issue privately with Musk.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk's growing involvement in politics on Thursday and said she had never discussed with him a potential deal to supply secure communications to Italy.

Italian opposition leaders roundly criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for engaging in talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal for encrypted communications systems.

The Italian Prime Minister emphasized that such technology is not provided by a public entity and that, in any case, there should be no prejudices against Musk and his companies

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Jan. 9 that she has not talked personally with Elon Musk about a deal with SpaceX.

Italy’s prime minister accused of currying favour with world’s richest man at expense of European satellite initiative

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni did not discuss Rome's talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX over the possible supply of its Starlink services during her weekend visit to the United States, the PM's office said.

Elon Musk said on Monday he was ready to provide Italy with secure communication services after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied that the issue had come up during a weekend visit to the United States.

Reports that Elon Musk's SpaceX is in advanced negotiations with the Italian government over the provision of internet and telecommunications via its Starlink system have raised security and competition concerns.