Spain Launches Investigation Into X, Meta, and TikTok Over Alleged AI-Generated Child Abuse Content

Spain has ordered a formal investigation into major social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok over the alleged circulation of artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material, signaling an escalated effort to tackle online harm and protect minors.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed on Tuesday that prosecutors had been instructed to probe the platforms for potential violations of Spanish law.

In a post on his official X account, Sánchez condemned what he called the platforms’ failure to safeguard children, writing: “These platforms are undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children. The state cannot allow this. The impunity of these giants must end.”

The investigation represents one of Spain’s strongest interventions to date against global technology companies accused of failing to control harmful content, especially as artificial intelligence tools make it easier to generate and distribute illegal material.

Earlier this month, Sánchez announced a series of new measures aimed at strengthening child protection and combating online abuse, including a proposed ban on social media access for children under 16 — a step the government argues is necessary to reduce exposure to exploitative and harmful content.

The probe will examine whether X, Meta, and TikTok violated Spanish legislation designed to protect minors and curb the spread of illegal material, particularly AI-generated abuse.

Spain’s move comes amid mounting pressure across Europe on tech companies to tighten oversight of online content and address the growing challenges posed by AI-driven digital platforms.