Spanish Minister of Justice Félix Bolaños has called on the Prosecutor General to address the rise of sexual deepfakes, particularly those affecting minors.
In his recent communication to the Prosecutor General, Spanish Minister of Justice Félix Bolaños highlighted the alarming growth of sexual deepfake content, which has increased by 16 times in just two years. This surge is attributed in part to the user-friendly technologies provided by major social media platforms, which have been implicated in the spread of these harmful AI-generated videos. Bolaños' correspondence underscores the urgent need for these platforms to take responsibility in mitigating the risks posed by such content, especially those that target vulnerable groups such as minors.
The government has identified four potential serious offenses that tech companies might be committing in relation to this worrying trend. Bolaños specifically mentioned platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, emphasizing that their technological capabilities could be better utilized to combat the proliferation of sexual deepfakes. The letter from the minister comes amid growing concerns regarding the exploitative nature of these manipulated media and the ease with which they can be created and shared on social media.
As this issue garners more attention, the implications for both the legal framework and the roles of social media companies are significant. The call for action by Bolaños may push for stricter regulations and a reevaluation of how platforms manage AI technologies, particularly in safeguarding children and vulnerable populations from digital exploitation. This situation may not only reflect broader global challenges with AI but could also set a precedent for future government interventions in the tech sector in Spain and beyond.
