Spain to investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for child sexual abuse content

The Spanish government has instructed prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday.

The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of big tech companies in Europe, with regulators highlighting abusive practices on online platforms, from anti-competitive digital advertising to the deliberate design of addictive social media features. Spain’s government expressed concern over the mental health, dignity, and rights of children, warning that the impunity of such tech giants “must end.”

Prosecutors to investigate AI-generated abuse

Sanchez stated that prosecutors would examine potential crimes involving the creation and dissemination of child sexual abuse material using AI technologies, including Elon Musk’s xAI Grok. Spain is part of a wider international effort, with multiple countries investigating AI-generated sexually explicit content on social media platforms and demanding new safeguards.

Earlier this month, Spain proposed a ban on social media access for users under 16 years old as part of broader measures to protect children online. French authorities also raided X offices, while Ireland’s Data Protection Commission launched a formal probe into Grok’s data processing and its potential to generate harmful sexualised images and videos.

Global tech scrutiny intensifies

The investigation highlights the growing European push to hold tech companies accountable for illegal content on their platforms. As regulators tighten oversight, platforms like X, Meta, and TikTok face mounting pressure to implement safeguards against AI-enabled abuse and ensure compliance with child protection standards.

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