Feb 17 • 13:25 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Spain and Ireland to investigate social media platforms' responsibility for child pornography distribution

Spain and Ireland have initiated investigations into several social media platforms over concerns regarding the distribution of AI-generated child pornography.

In Spain, authorities have requested an investigation into various social media platforms, suspecting them of distributing artificial intelligence-generated child pornography. This inquiry particularly targets the 'X' platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk and concerns the creation of sexualized images involving children and adults using the AI tool 'Grok'. The government's move highlights the urgent need to address the responsibilities that these platforms hold in curbing harmful content.

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has involved the prosecutor's office to gather evidence on whether there are grounds to hold these companies criminally liable for the impact of the content published on their platforms. Sánchez emphasized that social media giants are jeopardizing children’s mental health, dignity, and rights and asserted that their impunity must come to an end. This investigation represents a significant step towards holding these tech companies accountable for the negative effects of their platforms on vulnerable groups.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sánchez outlined plans to introduce measures aimed at mitigating the influence of social media on youth and ensuring a safer online environment. As these investigations unfold in both Spain and Ireland, the outcomes could lead to broader regulatory actions concerning the responsibilities of tech giants in protecting children on digital platforms, potentially influencing policies across Europe regarding child safety online.

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