The bill makes it illegal to insult, defame or blackmail a minor on the internet, or steal their identity, and allows the victim or their guardian to demand that websites hosting abusive content remove it within 48 hours.

The legislation was considered a necessary measure following a spate of online harassment cases in Italy.

Carolina Picchio, a 14-year-old from Novara, became Italy's first victim of cyberbullying in 2013, when she leapt to her death from her bedroom window after a group of boys circulated a video of her appearing drunk and disoriented in a bathroom at a party.

Last year, Tiziana Cantone, 31, took her own life after enduring months of online abuse and bullying when explicit images and video footage of her were circulated online and she failed to have them removed.

The Chamber of Deputies passed the law with 432 votes in favour and one abstention.

“We dedicate the law to Carolina and all the other victims," Chamber speaker Laura Boldrini said.

With ANSA