Spain’s government has instructed prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta and TikTok over the alleged creation and dissemination of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Sánchez said the Council of Ministers would invoke Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Public Prosecution Service to formally request an investigation into potential crimes linked to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate and distribute child pornography.
“These platforms are attacking the mental health, dignity and rights of our sons and daughters,” Sánchez wrote.
“The State cannot allow it. The impunity of the giants must end.”
The probe will examine whether the companies enabled or failed to prevent the circulation of artificially generated child abuse content in breach of Spanish law.
Spain’s move comes as several countries raise concern about the risks posed by AI and social media platforms, particularly in relation to children.
Australia became the first country to fully implement a nationwide ban barring children under 16-years of age from accessing major social media platforms, with the law taking effect in December 2025. The legislation followed widespread public debate about online harms and platform accountability.
In Europe, lawmakers have intensified discussions on setting minimum digital age limits. The European Parliament has called for harmonised rules across the bloc, proposing a digital minimum age of 16-years for access to social media and AI chatbots, while allowing limited access for younger teenagers with parental consent.
France recently approved legislation prohibiting children under 15-years from using social media platforms, pending final parliamentary approval.
Spain and Greece have also advanced proposals to restrict access for minors, with Madrid signalling support for a ban on under under 16-year olds and Athens considering similar measures for those under 15-years.
Other countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, India and the Czech Republic, are debating comparable restrictions.
Some governments are focusing specifically on platform design features, recommendation algorithms and AI tools that may expose young users to harmful content.
The debate has intensified following reports that AI systems integrated into social media platforms have been used to generate non-consensual sexual images, including images involving minors.
The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has urged governments to criminalise the creation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, warning of an increase in such content online.
Spain’s decision to invoke prosecutorial powers marks one of the most direct legal actions in Europe aimed at holding major technology platforms accountable for the misuse of AI in connection with child exploitation material.
The companies have not yet publicly responded to the Spanish government’s announcement.
A senior Iranian military officer warned that American troops will become &lsq...
Cuba and the United States have been at odds for more than six decades, with tensions rooted in the 1959 revolution that transformed the island&rsq...
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine have killed four people, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday (28 March). ...
The four astronauts selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission have arrived in Florida, entering the final phase of...
More than 372,000 people were left without electricity in Russia’s southern region of Dagestan after heavy rain triggered severe flooding, of...
A senior Iranian military officer warned that American troops will become ‘food for sharks’ on Sunday if the U.S. launches a ground offensive in Iran. The threat came as contingents of U.S. Marines began to arrive in the Middle East, with thousands expected to be deployed in the region.
Cuba and the United States have been at odds for more than six decades, with tensions rooted in the 1959 revolution that transformed the island’s political and economic system. Renewed focus on relations comes as Donald Trump’s rhetoric intensifies and conditions on the island worsen.
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine have killed four people, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday (28 March).
The four astronauts selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission have arrived in Florida, entering the final phase of preparations for the first crewed journey towards the Moon in more than five decades
The involvement of Yemen’s Houthis has heightened regional tensions as the Iran-aligned group joins the conflict. The U.S. says it is hopeful of holding talks with Iran in the coming days, while Tehran has said that "talking and bombing is intolerable". Welcome to our live coverage of the conflict.
Cuba and the United States have been at odds for more than six decades, with tensions rooted in the 1959 revolution that transformed the island’s political and economic system. Renewed focus on relations comes as Donald Trump’s rhetoric intensifies and conditions on the island worsen.
The four astronauts selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission have arrived in Florida, entering the final phase of preparations for the first crewed journey towards the Moon in more than five decades
Iranian Military Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Zulfiqari has warned that American soldiers will become 'food for sharks' if U.S. President Donald Trump launches ground attacks against Iran. The threat comes after the U.S. military said it was deploying thousands of Marines to the region.
China is moving ahead with plans to establish a nationwide long-term care insurance system, aimed at supporting its rapidly ageing population and easing the financial burden on families caring for elderly relatives.
Cuba and the United States have been at odds for more than six decades, with tensions rooted in the 1959 revolution that transformed the island’s political and economic system. Renewed focus on relations comes as Donald Trump’s rhetoric intensifies and conditions on the island worsen.
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine have killed four people, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday (28 March).
Nepal’s ousted former prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested over alleged negligence linked to the deaths of protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations last September.
China is moving ahead with plans to establish a nationwide long-term care insurance system, aimed at supporting its rapidly ageing population and easing the financial burden on families caring for elderly relatives.
The U.S. Congress failed on Friday (27 March) to resolve a six-week funding impasse that has disrupted airports and left tens of thousands of federal workers without pay, raising fears of further travel chaos during the busy spring break period.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment