Spain pushes for AI regulation and child digital protections

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for international regulation of artificial intelligence at the United Nations, emphasizing the need to protect children from digital risks. Sánchez warned against the concentration of power among a small group of 'technoligarchs' and highlighted the rise in AI-generated child abuse material. He advocated for policies similar to those proposed by France and the European Commission, including restricting social media access for minors under 16.

In regional developments, the Government of Catalonia is preparing legislation to limit screen time and prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms for children up to 14 years old. The proposed law, expected to reach a draft stage by March 2027, aims to address potential developmental and mental health issues linked to early technology exposure. The initiative also includes measures to reinforce reading habits in schools.

Additionally, the Spanish government is implementing AI-driven strategies to detect and prevent the recruitment of minors through social media and online video games. This approach uses automated filters to identify suspicious patterns and prioritize content for human review to prevent exploitation.