DW News · Feb 17, 2026 · Collected from RSS
Spain is set to investigate X, Meta and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child abuse material. The move comes as European nations tighten controls to regulate social media platforms.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Tuesday that the Spanish government had ordered prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material. What did Sanchez say? "These platforms are undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children," Sanchez wrote ‌on X. "The state cannot allow this. The impunity of these ‌giants ​must end." Sanchez added that his government would ask prosecutors to "investigate the crimes that X, Meta, and TikTok may be committing through the creation and dissemination of child pornography using their AI." Earlier this month, the Spanish premier announced several measures aimed at curbing online abuse and protecting children. One of those measures is a proposed ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16. Also, in November, Sanchez said that Spain's parliament would investigate Meta for potential privacy violations involving users of its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. Spain mulls protecting teens from 'digital Wild West'To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video European regulators crack down on big tech Other European governments have also launched investigations, imposed bans, and demanded safeguards in an increasing effort to curb illegal material worldwide. On Tuesday, Ireland's Data Protection Commission announced it had opened a formal investigation into Grok over its processing of personal data and the platform's potential to generate harmful sexualized images and videos, including those involving children. In February, French police raided the offices of X, amid an expanding investigation and growing scrutiny of the platform by authorities across Europe. European regulators are also cracking down on big tech companies for allegedly engaging in abusive practices on online platforms. These practices range from anti-competitive behavior in digital advertising to deliberately designing addictive social media features. Edited by: Roshni Majumdar