Spanish authorities to investigate social media companies on AI-generated child abuse allegations

Spanish Government Orders Investigation into Social Media Platforms Over AI-Generated Child Abuse Material

The Spanish government has instructed prosecutors to investigate three major social media platforms, X, Meta, and TikTok, over allegations of spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the move on his X account, stating that the state cannot allow such practices to continue.

Sanchez’s announcement comes as European regulators are cracking down on Big Tech companies, citing concerns about abusive practices on online platforms. The prime minister had previously proposed measures to curb online abuse and protect children, including a ban on access to social media platforms for those under 16.

Social media executives have responded to Sanchez’s actions, with some labeling him a “traitor” and others describing his moves as steps towards “total control”. However, a recent poll found that support in Spain for banning social media use by children under 14 had risen to 82%, up from 73% in the previous year.

Other countries are also taking action against AI-generated child abuse material. Australia recently introduced a nationwide ban on social media for under-16s, with major platforms facing fines of $33m if they fail to remove users under 16. Several other governments have launched investigations and imposed bans on the use of AI chatbots that generate explicit content.

The investigation into X, Meta, and TikTok is ongoing, with officials working to identify and remove users who have been identified as belonging to children.

Source: Al Jazeera