Spain has ordered prosecutors to investigate major social media platforms over the alleged spread of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, marking a significant escalation in Europe’s crackdown on harmful online content.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said authorities will examine the role of X, Meta Platforms and TikTok in the creation and dissemination of illegal content, Reuters news report said.
Spain intensifies scrutiny of big tech
The investigation is part of a broader regulatory push targeting social media companies over issues ranging from addictive platform design to anti-competitive digital advertising practices.
Spain’s government said the probe was triggered by a technical report produced by multiple ministries. Officials stressed that algorithms must not amplify or shield criminal activity online, especially content that threatens children’s safety, privacy and dignity.
Authorities cited data showing that one in five young people in Spain, mostly girls, reported having fake nude images generated by AI and shared online while they were minors.
Ireland opens probe into Grok chatbot
Separately, the Ireland Data Protection Commission has launched a formal investigation into the xAI chatbot Grok, linked to Elon Musk, over the processing of personal data and its potential to generate harmful sexualised images and video involving minors.
The regulator is the lead EU authority overseeing X because the company’s European operations are based in Ireland.
European and global crackdown expands
The European Commission is already investigating Meta, TikTok and Grok under the bloc’s Digital Services Act, while France, Brazil and Canada have filed complaints about illegal content linked to Grok.
Spain has also proposed additional safeguards, including a potential ban on social media access for users under 16. The country’s parliament previously launched an investigation into Meta over possible privacy violations affecting Facebook and Instagram users.
Rising volume of AI-generated abuse content
The Internet Watch Foundation reported a sharp increase in AI-generated abuse material, flagging 3,440 AI videos of child sexual abuse last year compared with just 13 the year before.
The surge has intensified pressure on governments worldwide to impose stricter controls on AI and social media platforms as concerns grow about online safety and the impact of emerging technologies on children.