Spanish Government Demands Investigation into AI on Socials

On February 17, 2026, Spain's Council of Ministers instructed the Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate potential crimes associated with AI tools that facilitate the creation and dissemination of child pornography on social networks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to curb risks posed by generative AI in social media. The government emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue for the sake of child safety and to protect their rights and dignity in an increasingly digital world.

The proposed investigation reflects a significant policy shift aimed at holding tech giants accountable for content that can be harmful to youth. By invoking legal frameworks such as the Organic Statute of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Spanish government seeks to enhance protections against AI-induced risks while potentially increasing governmental autonomy over tech oversight. This approach may decrease dependency on foreign tech by reinforcing domestic regulatory frameworks and capabilities in safeguarding vulnerable populations against exploitation through advanced technologies.