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

Source: NYT

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain said on Tuesday that his government will ask prosecutors to investigate social media giants X, Meta and TikTok for allegedly spreading child sexual abuse material generated by artificial intelligence, the latest salvo in a Europe-wide effort to regulate big tech companies.

“These platforms are undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children,” Mr. Sánchez wrote on social media. “The state cannot allow this. The impunity of these giants must end.”

X and TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meta declined to comment. After the French police raided the Paris offices of X in connection with similar accusations, the company said it “categorically denies any wrongdoing.”

The Spanish announcement intensifies a growing dispute between European governments and American tech companies, which have been backed by the Trump administration over efforts on the continent to limit the industry.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/world/europe/spain-investigate-social-media.html