Spain to probe X, Meta and TikTok over AI-generated child sexual abuse content

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.

Growing international crackdown

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.

• Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children
• Landmark trial begins over claims social media platforms harmed children
• How do social media rules for under-16s vary around the world?

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.

• Czech PM backs social media ban for under-15-year-olds
• Spain and Greece advance teen social media restrictions
• EU 'will enforce' planned French social media ban, if it complies with EU law

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.

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