Handing control of Italy's military satellite communications to the U.S. tech tycoon has prompted sharp criticism in Italy from opposition politicians.

Italy would have full control of its data under any potential deal struck with Elon Musk's Starlink for secure satellite communications, an Italian representative for the billionaire's aerospace businesses said.

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

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.

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

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday defended Elon Musk's increasing political involvement, while also stating that she had

Italy's defence minister sought on Wednesday to defuse a political row sparked by a report that Italy planned to ask Elon Musk's Starlink to supply new secure communications services for use by the military.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied Thursday talking to Elon Musk about a cybersecurity deal with the American billionaire's SpaceX company following reports that sparked controversy in Italy.