Spain has taken a significant step in regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing a bill that imposes hefty fines on companies that fail to label AI-generated content. The new legislation aligns with the European Union’s AI Act, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the use of AI technologies.
The Spanish government approved the bill on Tuesday, targeting the increasing use of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes. These AI-generated images, videos, and audio recordings have raised global concerns due to their potential for misinformation, fraud, and reputational damage. By mandating clear labelling of AI-generated content, Spain aims to curb deceptive practices and protect consumers from misleading information.
According to Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez, the bill enforces stringent transparency obligations on AI systems classified as high-risk. This move follows the EU’s AI Act, which mandates that AI-generated content must be clearly marked to differentiate it from human-created material. Companies that fail to comply with this regulation could face severe financial penalties.
“The rise of AI-generated content has created challenges in verifying authenticity, making it crucial to establish clear regulations,” Lopez stated during a press briefing. He emphasized that the new law will not only promote ethical AI usage but also enhance public trust in digital content.
The penalties for non-compliance are expected to be substantial, deterring companies from bypassing these regulations. The fines could amount to millions of euros, depending on the severity of the violation. The bill also grants regulatory authorities the power to investigate and enforce these measures effectively.
Spain’s initiative is in line with broader EU efforts to set global standards for AI governance. The AI Act, passed by the European Parliament, establishes strict guidelines for AI deployment, particularly in sensitive areas such as facial recognition, deepfake content, and automated decision-making systems.
As AI continues to evolve, governments worldwide are exploring ways to mitigate its risks while maximizing its benefits. Spain’s decision to impose massive fines on unlabelled AI-generated content underscores its commitment to responsible AI usage and consumer protection. The bill now awaits parliamentary approval before it becomes law.
