Spain Approves Bill to Strengthen Regulation of AI-Generated Images
On Tuesday, the Spanish government approved a bill aimed at combating fake images created with artificial intelligence and strengthening rules on consent for image use. This legislation reflects a growing trend among European nations to tackle the challenges posed by AI-generated deepfakes and other misleading digital content.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The newly approved bill includes several significant measures:
- Child Protection: The legislation strengthens regulations to protect children, setting the minimum age for consenting to the use of one’s own image at 16 years.
- Restrictions on Image Use: The bill restricts the reuse of online images, voices, and AI-generated content without explicit permission.
- Consent Requirement: It explicitly states that sharing personal or family images on social media does not grant absolute freedom to utilize these images in other contexts.
Spanish Justice Minister Félix Bolaños emphasized the importance of consent, stating, “The fact that people share their personal or family images on social media does not give absolute freedom to use these images in other contexts.”
Focus on AI-Generated Content
The reform directly addresses the implications of artificial intelligence in content creation. It makes it illegal to use a person’s AI-generated image or voice for advertising or commercial purposes without their consent. However, the bill allows for creative, satirical, or fictional use of images involving public figures, provided such content is clearly identified as AI-generated.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The bill must now undergo consultations before returning to the government for final approval and submission to parliament for ratification. This step is crucial for ensuring that the legislation is comprehensive and effective in safeguarding individual rights in the digital age.
Global Context
In a related development, Indonesia has become the first country in the world to block Grok due to the spread of sexualized AI images, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory frameworks addressing the misuse of AI technologies globally.
