A new scandal is erupting in Spain, one that could impact the future of digital platforms and children’s online safety. The country’s Council of Ministers has formally called on the Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation into X, Meta, and TikTok. The reason: suspicions that artificial intelligence is being used to create and distribute child pornography. This move could mark a turning point in the fight against impunity for tech giants and lead to stricter oversight of their algorithms.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly stated that such actions by the platforms threaten the mental health, dignity, and rights of minors. According to him, the government will not tolerate a situation where large companies escape accountability despite potential crimes. Authorities plan to use all available legal tools to put an end to these practices.
The Council of Ministers cites Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Prosecutor’s Office, which allows for the official initiation of an investigation into the suspected platforms. The main focus is on potential crimes involving the creation and distribution of pornographic material featuring children through the use of artificial intelligence. If the facts are confirmed, the consequences for these companies could be severe, up to criminal liability and tighter regulations.
Reaction and consequences
Public reaction to this initiative is already being felt across the country. Parents, human rights activists, and cybersecurity experts are calling for transparency and decisive action. Many point out that modern algorithms can generate content that is hard to distinguish from real information, posing additional risks for underage users.
In recent years, Spain has tightened its policies toward internet companies, especially regarding child protection. The new investigation could lead to a revision of platform regulations, the introduction of additional filters, and stricter oversight of AI usage. Authorities emphasize that the safety and well-being of young people remain the top priority.
X, Meta, and TikTok have not yet issued official comments on the investigation. However, experts believe these companies will have to review their internal procedures and algorithms to avoid further accusations and potential sanctions from Spanish authorities.
AI under scrutiny
The use of artificial intelligence to create content is becoming increasingly common. However, the lack of clear international standards and transparency in how algorithms operate raises concerns among regulators and the public. Spain aims to become one of the first countries to hold global platforms accountable for the actions of their AI.
If the investigation succeeds, it could set a precedent for other EU countries and the world. Tighter oversight of digital giants and their technologies may result in new rules and restrictions designed to protect vulnerable groups, especially children and teenagers.
How exactly the platforms will respond to the demands of the Spanish authorities remains an open question. But it’s already clear that the situation requires immediate and decisive action from all participants in the digital market.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Europe has seen several high-profile cases in which internet platforms were accused of insufficient control over the spread of prohibited content. In 2024, similar investigations took place in Germany and France, where the responsibility of companies for the operation of their AI was also questioned. At the time, stricter legislation and new standards for digital services were being discussed. In the UK and Italy, authorities have already introduced additional filters and monitoring mechanisms to curb the spread of dangerous materials among minors. These events highlight the growing concern among European countries about the impact of technology on society and the need for tighter regulation of major internet companies.
