Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that his government will formally request prosecutors to examine whether major technology platforms are responsible for the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, escalating Spain’s confrontation with global social media companies.
According to Sánchez, the Council of Ministers will invoke legal provisions allowing authorities to ask prosecutors to investigate potential crimes linked to platforms including X, Meta Platforms, and TikTok.
“The impunity of the giants must end,” Sánchez stated, accusing the companies of undermining children’s mental health, dignity, and fundamental rights.
Government Push for Criminal Accountability
The Spanish government has cited concerns over the widespread circulation of AI-generated illegal content on social media platforms. In a letter first reported by El País, officials argued that platform operators could face criminal liability due to the level of control they exercise over user-generated content.
The request follows a joint technical report prepared by Spain’s ministries responsible for digital transformation and youth affairs. The report described the digital ecosystem as one “characterized by impunity and tolerance of criminal practices that threaten minors’ privacy, image, and freedom.”
Under Spain’s constitutional system, the executive branch cannot directly order criminal proceedings. The decision on whether to proceed with an investigation rests with Teresa Peramato, who must consult the Prosecutors’ Board of the country’s Supreme Court before taking action.
Escalating Tensions With Big Tech Leaders
The move represents the latest development in Sánchez’s increasingly confrontational stance toward major technology firms and their leadership, including public disputes involving Elon Musk and Pavel Durov.
The Spanish initiative follows a broader European push to regulate AI-driven platforms. Authorities in France recently conducted a raid on X’s Paris headquarters as part of an investigation into explicit deepfake content allegedly linked to AI chatbot tools. Meanwhile, the European Commission has opened its own probe into the platform and is considering broader restrictions on AI applications capable of generating sexually exploitative imagery.
Proposed Restrictions on Youth Social Media Access
Sánchez has also proposed banning children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, alongside legislation that would hold technology executives criminally responsible for repeated violations occurring on their platforms. The proposals further include plans to criminalize algorithm manipulation.
Senior Spanish officials have backed tougher measures. Youth Minister Sira Rego has suggested a potential ban on X, while Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz has publicly left the platform, urging stronger regulation of major U.S. technology firms.
The developments signal growing European pressure on social media companies to strengthen safeguards against harmful AI-generated content, particularly involving minors.
