Spain to Enforce Heavy Penalties for Unlabelled AI-Generated Content
Spain has introduced a groundbreaking bill to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), imposing hefty fines on companies that fail to label AI-generated content. The legislation aims to combat the misuse of AI, particularly in creating “deepfakes,” and aligns with the European Union’s AI Act, which emphasizes transparency and bans harmful practices.
Key provisions include:
- Fines and Offenses: Companies that do not properly label AI-generated content face penalties of up to €35 million ($38.2 million) or 7% of their global annual turnover. Such non-compliance is classified as a “serious offense.”
- Banned Practices: The bill prohibits subliminal techniques, such as imperceptible sounds or images used to manipulate vulnerable groups, and the use of biometric data for social scoring or behavior-based classifications. However, biometric surveillance for national security purposes remains permitted.
- Enforcement: A newly created AI supervisory agency, AESIA (Agencia Española de Supervisión de la Inteligencia Artificial), will oversee most regulations. Specific cases involving data privacy, crime, elections, and financial systems will be handled by corresponding authorities.
Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez highlighted the dual potential of AI to improve lives or spread misinformation, underlining the need for strict regulations. Spain is among the first EU countries to implement such comprehensive measures, surpassing the United States’ voluntary compliance framework.
The bill must still pass through Spain’s lower house before becoming law. If enacted, it would position Spain as a leader in AI regulation within the EU.
