Spain Investigates X, Meta, and TikTok Measures Aim to Protect Children

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the government has instructed prosecutors to open an investigation into the social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok following allegations that they spread AI-generated content exploiting children.

This move comes amid heightened European scrutiny of major tech companies, with accusations ranging from anti-competitive practices in digital advertising to the design of addictive features on social media platforms.

Sánchez wrote on his X account: “These platforms threaten our children’s mental health, dignity, and rights. The state cannot ignore this. The impunity enjoyed by these tech giants must end.”

He added that the government would ask prosecutors to “investigate the crimes these platforms may be committing through the creation and dissemination of inappropriate content for children using AI.”

Spain is part of a global effort to curb illegal content, with other governments also investigating AI-generated inappropriate material, such as Grok on X, and some countries have imposed restrictions or demanded safeguards to limit its spread.

Earlier this month, Sánchez announced several measures to protect children from online exploitation, including a proposed ban on social media access for anyone under 16.

On the same day, French police raided X offices and prosecutors ordered Elon Musk to face questioning in a wider investigation, as European authorities increase oversight of the platform.