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Spain Launches Probe into AI-Generated Child Abuse Content on X, Meta, and TikTok

Spain orders prosecutors to investigate X, Meta, and TikTok over AI-generated child sexual abuse material. PM Pedro Sanchez warns platforms cannot exploit algorithms to harm children.

by News Desk

2026-02-17

Spain Launches Probe into AI-Generated Child Abuse Content on X, Meta, and TikTok

Spain has directed prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok over allegations of spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday.

The move comes as European regulators intensify scrutiny of big tech over illegal and harmful online content. Spain’s Justice Ministry, citing a technical report from three government ministries, will request prosecutors to examine whether the platforms are facilitating crimes through AI-enabled creation and dissemination of child pornography.

Protecting Children Online

Government spokesperson Elma Saiz said authorities “cannot allow algorithms to amplify or shelter” such crimes, emphasizing that children’s safety, privacy, and dignity are at risk. Citing rights group Save the Children, Sanchez’s office noted that one in five young people in Spain – mostly girls – reported that AI-generated fake nude images of themselves were shared online while they were minors.

Sanchez highlighted the broader problem on X, stating: “These platforms are undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children. The state cannot allow this. The impunity of these giants must end.”

Global Context

The Spanish investigation is part of a wider international crackdown. The European Commission is probing Meta, TikTok, and Grok under the EU Digital Services Act, while other countries including France, Brazil, and Canada have also lodged complaints over illegal content distribution.

In Ireland, the Data Protection Commission has launched a separate investigation into X’s xAI chatbot Grok for potential violations related to personal data and generation of sexualized content involving minors.

Earlier this month, Sanchez unveiled new measures to protect children online, including a proposed ban on social media access for users under 16. French authorities have also taken action, raiding X offices and questioning CEO Elon Musk over similar concerns.

Rising AI Risks

The surge of AI-generated sexual content has triggered alarm globally. Last year, the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation flagged 3,440 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse, a sharp rise from 13 in 2024.

Spain’s latest action underscores growing government efforts to hold tech giants accountable for the misuse of AI, particularly in harming minors.

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