Spain requests prosecutors to investigate X, Meta, TikTok over AI-generated child sexual abuse material
Spain's government requested prosecutors to investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly permitting their AI systems to create and spread child sexual abuse material. The move followed an expert report warning of the platforms' role in facilitating creation and distribution of sexualized deepfakes of minors.
What happened
On 17 February 2026, Spain's cabinet approved a request to prosecutors to investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly allowing their AI systems to generate and disseminate child sexual abuse material. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated the action aimed to protect children and end the 'impunity' of social media platforms.
An expert report found the platforms allowed creation and dissemination of sexual content and child sexual abuse through deepfakes and manipulation of images with 'speed and opacity that greatly hinders detection and prosecution, while also facilitating the formation of networks that produce, share, and monetise this content.'
Reported impact
The Spanish government stated that these practices undermine the dignity of victims and harm 'the mental health, dignity and rights of our sons and daughters.' The government spokesperson warned that 'the safety of our children, the protection of their image, their privacy and their freedom' are at stake.
Index analysis
In February 2026, the European Commission launched a separate investigation into X over production of sexually explicit images and spreading of possible child sexual abuse material by X's AI chatbot Grok. Ireland's Data Protection Commission opened a 'large-scale' inquiry into whether X complied with obligations regarding Grok's ability to generate sexualized images of real people, including children.
Governance controls
The Spanish government said it was preparing additional measures including a social media ban for under-16s and legislation to hold tech companies responsible for hateful and harmful content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.