Spain has ordered state prosecutors to formally investigate major social media platforms over the suspected spread of artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Tuesday that the inquiry will focus on X, Meta, and TikTok. The government believes these platforms may have enabled the creation or circulation of illegal content involving minors through AI-powered systems.
According to Sánchez, the investigation is part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening child protection online and ensuring technology firms are held accountable for harmful material shared on their platforms.
In a message posted on X, the prime minister criticized the companies for what he described as inadequate safeguards for minors. He warned that Spain would not tolerate threats to children’s mental health, dignity, or fundamental rights, declaring that “the impunity of these giants must end.” Prosecutors have been directed to determine whether any criminal offences were committed in connection with the production or distribution of AI-generated child pornography.
The companies named in the probe had not issued immediate public responses.
The move comes as regulatory scrutiny of major technology firms intensifies across Europe. Authorities in several countries have stepped up oversight, citing concerns that range from anti-competitive advertising practices to platform features critics argue may fuel addictive behaviour among young users.
Spain has recently introduced additional online safety initiatives. Earlier this month, Sánchez proposed restricting social media access for users under 16 as part of a wider child protection strategy.
Concerns over AI-generated explicit material have drawn global attention, particularly content allegedly linked to “Grok,” a chatbot developed by xAI and integrated into X. The platform is owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Several governments have responded by launching investigations, imposing temporary bans, or demanding stricter safeguards to curb the creation and spread of illegal material involving minors.
On the same day Sánchez announced Spain’s investigation, French authorities reportedly raided X’s offices as part of a separate inquiry, adding to mounting regulatory pressure within the European Union.
In November, Sánchez also signaled that Spain’s parliament would review Meta over alleged privacy violations affecting users of platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission confirmed it has opened a formal investigation into Grok, citing concerns about personal data processing and the potential generation of harmful sexualised images and videos, including content involving children.
The latest actions underscore Europe’s expanding campaign to regulate big technology firms and address the growing risks associated with rapidly advancing artificial intelligence systems.