Select Language:
Spain has instructed prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material, as European regulators ramp up efforts to scrutinize major tech companies over illegal and harmful content.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced this move amid a broader crackdown on online platforms, with authorities accusing them of engaging in anti-competitive practices in digital advertising and intentionally designing addictive features.
The companies named by Sanchez did not respond immediately to requests for comment sent via email.
This action marks the first step from a set of social media regulations introduced by Sanchez during a government summit in Dubai earlier this month. The decision was based on a technical report prepared by three government ministries, according to a statement from his office.
Government spokesperson Elma Saiz emphasized that authorities “cannot allow algorithms to amplify or conceal” such crimes, noting that children’s safety, privacy, and dignity are at significant risk.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission revealed it has launched a formal investigation into X’s AI chatbot Grok, focusing on how it processes personal data and its potential to generate harmful sexualized images and videos, including those of minors.
As Ireland is the EU headquarters for Elon Musk’s X, the DPC is the primary regulator overseeing the platform’s operations within the European Union.
According to Sanchez’s office, around 20% of young people in Spain—mostly girls—say AI-produced fake nude images of themselves were created and shared online while they were minors.
Sanchez stated on X that “these platforms are damaging the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children,” adding that “the state cannot tolerate this. These giants must be held accountable.”
He further announced that Spain’s Justice Ministry will direct prosecutors to investigate potential crimes linked to X, Meta, and TikTok related to the creation and sharing of child pornography using their AI technologies.
Other countries are also taking steps against social media platforms. Investigations have been launched, bans imposed, and safeguards sought across different regions to combat illegal material.
The European Commission is examining Meta, TikTok, and Grok under the EU’s Digital Services Act, while France, Brazil, and Canada have filed complaints against Grok over illegal content distribution.
Two weeks prior, Sanchez proposed new measures to address online abuse and safeguard children, including a potential ban on social media access for users under 16.
On the same day, French authorities raided the offices of Musk’s X, and prosecutors began questioning the billionaire as part of an expanding investigation.
In November, Sanchez announced that Spain’s parliament would investigate Meta for possible privacy violations affecting Facebook and Instagram users.
Last year, the Internet Watch Foundation in Britain reported over 3,400 AI-generated videos depicting child sexual abuse, compared to just 13 in 2023.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
