Spain to Investigate Social Media Giants, Escalating Trans-Atlantic Tech Dispute

Spain will investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material, escalating a transatlantic tech dispute. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the investigation, citing concerns about the platforms undermining children's mental health and rights. This action follows similar investigations and fines levied against X in France and by the EU under the Digital Services Act. The European Union and its member states are increasingly attempting to regulate large tech companies, contrasting with the U.S.'s approach. The investigations highlight differing views on protected speech and corporate responsibility for user welfare.

Elon Musk's social media platform X is under investigation by Ireland's Data Protection Commission due to its Grok AI chatbot generating nonconsensual deepfake images. The EU privacy investigation was launched after reports surfaced that Grok was creating sexualized images of real people, potentially including children, at the request of X users. The inquiry will determine if X complied with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Irish regulator is taking the lead because X's European headquarters are located in Dublin. Spain has also ordered prosecutors to investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for AI-generated child sex abuse material on their platforms.

In February 2026, Spain ordered prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta, and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the investigation, stating the platforms undermine children's well-being and that their "impunity must end." This action is part of a broader European crackdown on Big Tech for abusive practices. Earlier in the month, Sanchez proposed measures to curb online abuse, including a potential ban on social media access for those under 16. The announcement has drawn criticism from social media executives like Elon Musk and Pavel Durov. Public support in Spain for banning social media use by young children has been growing.