The Spanish government has directed prosecutors to launch an investigation into major social media platforms X Meta and TikTok over allegations they have allowed the spread of child sexual abuse material generated through artificial intelligence technology. The move was announced on Tuesday by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as part of broader efforts to protect minors online and clamp down on harmful digital content.

Sánchez told the public that the government would invoke Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Public Prosecutor to request that the Fiscalía General del Estado consider possible criminal offences linked to the creation and circulation of AI-generated child abuse imagery on these platforms. He described the alleged content as deeply damaging to the mental health dignity and rights of children and stressed that the state must act decisively.

In a post shared on his official account on X Sánchez said the impunity of large tech companies “must end” and called for greater accountability in how online platforms moderate and control artificial intelligence tools that can be used to produce harmful material.

Spanish authorities are expected to examine whether X Meta and TikTok violated domestic laws designed to protect minors from exploitation and illegal exploitation of images facilitated by generative AI. The investigation could include an assessment of algorithmic policies and content moderation systems.

The government’s action comes amid increasing concern across Europe about the misuse of artificial intelligence to produce abusive deepfake content. Sánchez also unveiled earlier plans aimed at strengthening child protection frameworks including a proposal to ban social media access for users under the age of 16 to reduce their exposure to dangerous material.

European regulators including the Irish Data Protection Commission have separately initiated inquiries related to AI-generated sexual content on social platforms and are reviewing potential breaches of privacy and safety regulations. The Spanish probe adds to a wave of international scrutiny focused on how large tech companies manage harmful and illegal online content.