Spain Launches Criminal Probe Into X, Meta, and TikTok Over AI Child Abuse Content

TLDR

• Spain’s government has ordered criminal investigations into X, Meta, and TikTok over AI-generated child sexual abuse material on their platforms
• Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez directed prosecutors to examine potential crimes related to creation and distribution of AI child pornography
• Ireland opened a separate investigation into xAI’s Grok chatbot for processing personal data and generating harmful sexualized content
• The probes are part of wider European regulatory crackdown on big tech companies over platform safety and content moderation
• Spain previously proposed banning social media for users under 16 as part of child protection initiatives

Spain has initiated criminal investigations against three major social media platforms for allegedly distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Tuesday that prosecutors will investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for their alleged role in spreading this illegal content.

The Spanish government directed prosecutors to examine potential crimes committed through the creation and dissemination of child pornography using AI technology. Sanchez emphasized that the state cannot tolerate these activities. He declared that the impunity of tech giants must end.

Europe Intensifies Tech Platform Regulation

The Spanish investigation comes during a period of increased European regulatory action against big tech firms. Authorities across the continent have targeted companies for various practices. These include anti-competitive behavior in digital advertising and deliberately addictive social media features.

Spain is not the only country examining AI-generated explicit content. Multiple governments have launched investigations into sexually explicit material created by xAI’s Grok chatbot. Countries have imposed bans and demanded new safeguards to prevent illegal content generation.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission opened a formal investigation into Grok on Tuesday. The probe will examine the chatbot’s processing of personal data. It will also investigate Grok’s capacity to produce harmful sexualized images and videos, including depictions of children.

Earlier this month, Sanchez unveiled several measures to protect children online. The proposals include prohibiting social media access for users under 16 years old. These initiatives represent part of a comprehensive government strategy to combat online abuse.

Tech Companies Face Multiple European Investigations

French authorities raided X’s offices earlier this month as part of a separate investigation. Prosecutors ordered Elon Musk to answer questions as European regulators increase scrutiny of the platform. The French action demonstrates the coordinated nature of European enforcement efforts.

Spain’s parliament began investigating Meta in November for potential privacy violations. The probe examines how Facebook and Instagram manage user data. This investigation adds to mounting regulatory challenges facing major tech companies operating in Europe.

The Spanish government’s directive to prosecutors represents another escalation in Europe’s approach to regulating technology platforms. Authorities continue examining how social media companies moderate content and safeguard vulnerable users. The investigation into AI-generated child abuse material opens a new chapter in these enforcement actions.

None of the three platforms named in the Spanish investigation have issued statements regarding the allegations. The companies face growing pressure to implement stronger content moderation systems and AI safety controls across their platforms.

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