The Spanish government has formally called on the prosecutor's office to launch an investigation into platforms X, Meta, and TikTok. Pedro Sánchez's cabinet accuses the tech giants of insufficient efforts in combating the creation and distribution of fake sexual images involving minors generated by artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister announced an end to the impunity of digital corporations, emphasizing their negative impact on the mental health and dignity of the youngest citizens.

Notification to the prosecutor's office

The Spanish government is demanding an investigation into X, Meta, and TikTok regarding the creation of AI-generated child pornography on their platforms.

Alarming deepfake statistics

Minister Félix Bolaños revealed that the number of fake sexual recordings has increased sixteenfold over 24 months.

Warning to Big Tech

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared an end to the impunity of tech giants, accusing them of destroying the mental health of minors.

Age restrictions

The legal actions are part of a broader plan that includes a ban on social media access for children under 16 years of age.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday that the Spanish government has taken unprecedented legal steps targeting the largest social media platforms. The Council of Ministers decided to invoke Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Prosecutor's Office, which allows the state to demand an investigation into matters of special public interest. Under scrutiny are X (formerly Twitter), Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), and TikTok. The allegations involve facilitating or inadequately blocking the distribution of deepfake materials of a pedophilic nature. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños submitted a report to the Attorney General showing that the scale of the phenomenon has increased sixteenfold in the last two years. Authorities in Madrid maintain that the artificial intelligence algorithms and tools offered by these companies are being used to harm children. „These platforms undermine the mental health, dignity, and rights of our sons and daughters. The state cannot allow this. The impunity of the giants must end.” — Pedro Sánchez This statement is part of a broader government offensive against harmful online content, which also includes plans to ban access to social media for individuals under 16 years of age. Spain has long been a leader in Europe in implementing strict regulations to protect minors online, following numerous scandals related to cyberbullying and the sharing of intimate photos of students without their consent.Pressure on tech giants is growing not only in Spain but across the European Union, where the Digital Services Act imposes an obligation on services to remove illegal content. However, the Spanish move is unique due to the attempt to hold company managements directly criminally liable for the actions of their AI models. In the background of the case, a political conflict is emerging, as the owner of platform X, Elon Musk, sharply criticized Sánchez, calling him a "traitor to the nation." The government remains steadfast, asserting that protecting children's safety takes precedence over business interests and technological freedom. 16-krotny — increase in sexual deepfakes in two yearsDynamics of deepfake material growth in Spain: 2024: 1, 2026: 16

Mentioned People

  • Pedro Sánchez — Prime Minister of Spain, initiator of legal actions against tech giants.
  • Félix Bolaños — Spanish Minister of Justice and Presidency, author of the report on the increase in deepfakes.
  • Elon Musk — Owner of platform X, critic of the Spanish government's actions.