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Home > Finance > Spain moves to curb AI deepfakes, tighten consent rules on images

Spain moves to curb AI deepfakes, tighten consent rules on images

Published by Global Banking and Finance Review

Posted on January 13, 2026

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Spain Takes Steps to Regulate AI Deepfakes and Image Consent

Spain's Legislative Measures on AI Deepfakes

MADRID, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Spain's cabinet on Tuesday approved draft legislation to curb AI deepfakes and tighten consent rules on images, as European states increasingly move to crack down on AI-generated sexual content.

Strengthening Protections for Children

The bill approved by the cabinet strengthens protections for children, sets 16 as the minimum age for giving consent to use one's own image and limits the reuse of online images and AI-generated voices or likenesses without permission.

The European Union is stepping up efforts to regulate deepfakes, with new rules requiring member states to criminalise non-consensual sexual deepfakes by 2027.

Regulations on Commercial Use of AI Content

"The fact that people share personal or family images on social media does not give absolute freedom to use those images in other contexts," Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said.

The reform also addresses artificial intelligence directly, deeming illegitimate the use of a person's image or voice generated through AI for advertising or commercial purposes without consent.

Global Context and Implications

Bolanos said creative, satirical or fictional uses involving public figures would be allowed, provided such content is clearly identified as AI-generated.

The legislation follows global scrutiny of AI tools, including Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok, which is facing investigations over sexually explicit deepfake images.

Earlier this month, the government asked prosecutors to assess whether certain AI-generated content could constitute child pornography, a request the Chief Prosecutor's office told Reuters it was examining.

The draft law must still undergo consultations before returning to the government for final approval and submission to parliament.

(Reporting by Jesus Calero; editing by Charlie Devereux and Hugh Lawson)

Frequently Asked Questions about Spain moves to curb AI deepfakes, tighten consent rules on images

1What is a deepfake?

A deepfake is a type of synthetic media where a person's likeness is replaced with someone else's, often using artificial intelligence to create realistic-looking videos or audio.

2What is consent in digital media?

Consent in digital media refers to the permission given by individuals to use their images, videos, or likenesses, especially in contexts like advertising or social media.

3What is the minimum age for consent in Spain?

In Spain, the minimum age for giving consent to use one's own image is set at 16 years, according to recent legislative measures.

4What is non-consensual deepfake content?

Non-consensual deepfake content refers to AI-generated media that uses someone's likeness without their permission, often leading to privacy violations and potential legal consequences.