Spain Orders Probe into X, Meta, and TikTok Over AI-Generated Child Abuse Material

Madrid. The Spanish government has directed state prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok on allegations of disseminating material related to child sexual abuse generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez accused these platforms on his X account on Tuesday of undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of children. S\[\u00e1nchez stated that the state cannot tolerate such activities and that the impunity of big tech companies must end.

This announcement comes as European regulatory bodies are taking stricter measures against major technology companies. Regulators have accused them of anti-competitive behavior in digital advertising and using addictive designs on social media.

Previously, S\[\u00e1nchez announced measures to control online abuse, including a proposal to ban social media use for children under 16. Currently, the minimum age to use social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, is set at 13 years. Surveys in Spain show growing support for banning children's use of social media.

According to the Ipsos Education Monitor 2025, 82 percent of Spanish citizens favor preventing children under 14 from using social media. Not only Spain, but other countries have also launched investigations into sexually explicit material created via AI.

Australia implemented a national ban on social media use for those under 16 in December, imposing fines of up to $33 million on platforms that violate the rules. This move by Spain is considered part of a global initiative to protect children online.