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.

Meloni says Italy is exploring deals on telecoms security, but denies private talks with Musk - Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said her government is in talks with private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX,

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.

Italy is reportedly close to sealing a €1.5 billion (£1.25 billion) deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX that would provide the country’s government with secure telecommunications.

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.

Italy is in advanced discussions with SpaceX to use its Starlink satellite Network for secure government communications, potentially leading to a €1.5 billion, five-year contract. This deal, discussed during a recent meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago,

Billionaire Elon Musk is looking to carve out a role in Italy's telecommunications system by expanding his aerospace business Space X and satellite broadband venture Starlink.

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.