Spain’s government has sent a new law to Congress aimed at banning fake sexual images created using artificial intelligence after growing concern that people could be exposed online abuse, harassment and the spread of manipulated content including those of women and children.

The government says the measures are designed to protect individuals from having their images turned into explicit material without consent, a problem that has raised particular concern among parents, schools and child protection groups.

The legislation would introduce some of the toughest penalties yet seen in Spain for the creation and distribution of sexual “deepfakes”, including fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of a company’s global annual turnover in the most serious cases. The move follows increasing concern across Europe over the rise of digitally manipulated images and videos that can place a person’s face onto explicit content without their consent.

Focus on protecting victims from fake sexual content

The proposed law is to address fears that ordinary people, including teenagers and children, can be targeted using publicly available photographs taken from social media accounts or messaging platforms. In recent years, cases involving fake nude images of schoolgirls and women have attracted national attention in Spain, raising concerns about how quickly manipulated material can spread online and the emotional impact it can have on victims.

Under the proposed legislation, creating or sharing sexually explicit fake images without consent would face tighter legal restrictions. The measures are intended to protect people from having fabricated intimate material circulated online using their likeness. The legislation also includes measures targeting artificially generated child sexual abuse material and other forms of harmful digital impersonation.

Concerns over the impact on young people

The issue has become particularly sensitive following several investigations involving minors. Spanish authorities and campaign groups have warned that young people are especially vulnerable because photographs posted online can be copied and altered without permission.

Parents’ associations and child protection groups have repeatedly called for stronger safeguards after incidents involving school-age victims caused public concern in different parts of the country. The government argues that existing legislation has struggled to keep pace with the speed at which manipulated images can now be produced and shared.

New penalties and restrictions proposed

The bill approved by the Council of Ministers would create new penalties for companies and platforms that fail to comply with rules surrounding prohibited content. In the most serious cases, sanctions could reach 35 million euros or 7% of annual global turnover.

Spain’s Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López said the law is intended to protect citizens from harmful uses of technology and strengthen safeguards against abuse. Alongside restrictions on fake sexual content, the legislation would also prohibit certain forms of biometric categorisation and systems considered harmful to privacy or individual rights.

Mandatory labelling of altered content

The proposed law would require AI-generated material to be clearly identified in some situations so that users know when images, audio or video have been artificially altered or created.

Spanish officials say the aim is to reduce deception online and prevent manipulated material being mistaken for real content. The measures form part of Spain’s adaptation of wider European Union rules on artificial intelligence and digital safety.

Cases involving fake images have increased concern

Public debate around manipulated sexual images intensified after several high-profile cases involving teenagers emerged in Spain over the past two years. Some incidents involved fake nude images of minors created from ordinary photographs shared online.

Although the pictures were fabricated, families and campaigners warned that the damage caused to victims could still be severe. Experts working in child safety and digital rights have warned that the spread of manipulated intimate content can lead to humiliation, bullying and psychological distress, particularly among younger victims.

Law still faces parliamentary approval

The legislation must now pass through Spain’s parliamentary process before becoming law. Congress will debate the proposals and may introduce amendments before a final vote takes place. If approved, Spain would become one of the European countries with the strongest financial penalties linked to the creation and spread of fake sexual material generated using artificial intelligence.

The government says the legislation is intended to respond to growing public anxiety over how easily manipulated intimate content can now be produced and shared online. For many families, the debate centres on a simple concern: whether an ordinary photograph uploaded to the internet could be turned into fake explicit material without permission, and what legal protections exist if that happens.

Age Concern Marbella San Pedro always works to make sure life after 50 stays filled with fun, friendship and enjoyment for local residents.

Retired individuals or those who have recently stopped working can get chances to connect with others through dedicated events.

People dealing with common health issues or simply wishing to expand their social circle receive tailored assistance.

Coffee mornings operate in multiple locations

Six drop-in coffee mornings function across Marbella, San Pedro and Elviria to create inclusive spaces.

Participants can enjoy a warm welcome whether they attend alone or with a partner. Trained volunteers run each session and offer guidance to anyone who finds new environments slightly intimidating.

Venues host weekly sessions

• Neli G’s Gastro Cafe in Las Palmeras de Benavista, Benavista, provides space for one coffee morning.
• Sunday, San Pedro at Avenida Marques del Duero 82 in San Pedro Alcantara operates another regular session.
• Hapimag Marbella at Calle Camilo Jose Cela 17 in Marbella welcomes guests regularly.
• Urban Chai at Calle las Petunias local 6 bloque 1 in San Pedro hosts a coffee morning.
• Pandora on Avenida Marques del Duero in San Pedro Alcantara serves as an additional location.
• El Barracón in Centro Commercial Elviria local 16 completes the list of venues.

Full details appear in regular adverts placed in Euroweekly News.

Extensive services help maintain independence

Free welfare advice and targeted support feature among the wide variety of services. Monthly lunches, day trips and home visits supplement the programme. Activities take place at the community centre in San Pedro to match varied interests and abilities. English-speaking members of the over-50 community remain active, connected and independent as a result.

Contact options make sure of easy access

Helpline staff remain available 40 hours a week from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm. Callers reach the team at 689 35 51 98 or via WhatsApp for immediate responses from trained volunteers. Emails sent to info@ageconcernmarbella.com require inclusion of a daytime phone number for callbacks.

Join the caring community today

Membership of Age Concern Marbella San Pedro opens doors to fresh experiences and lasting friendships. People who sense isolation after family or friends have relocated benefit from immediate contact. Dedicated staff create an environment where every individual feels valued and part of the group.

Emilio brings laughter and warmth to routine police duties in Monda through witty Facebook updates. Residents now enjoy reading about missing keys, phones and even mannequins while learning about good deeds in their community.

Humorous posts speed up returns

Local officer Emilio adds hilarious comments to announcements that prompt owners to claim belongings within minutes. One memorable update described a discarded mannequin left in Plaza de la Ermita by students from Marbella Design School. Emilio wrote: “We’ve found a discarded mannequin model in the street. If no one claims it, the police will use it for target practice.” Or, “Found a phone with a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo on the wallpaper – I doubt anyone will claim it.”

Owners contacted the station almost immediately

Similar jokes appear for forgotten phones and waves of lost glasses. Emilio once joked about handing out free glasses holders to neighbours and gently reminded drivers to keep streets clear during Holy Week processions. His ironic style makes routine notices entertaining rather than dry.

Heartwarming stories celebrate kindness

Emilio also shares positive tales about honest citizens. One recent post featured seventy euros in cash and a lottery ticket handed in by a thoughtful resident who found the items on the street. Such updates shine a light on everyday integrity and encourage more people to do the right thing.

Life as the village policeman

Emilio has served in Monda for eighteen years and lives in the town despite colleagues warning him against it. Malaga-born, he raised his son here after becoming a widower. During the pandemic he sang birthday songs from patrol cars and delivered gifts between isolated grandparents and grandchildren. Children even created a mural to thank him.

Today Emilio continues road safety lessons and chats with locals in casual clothes when off duty. Everyone knows him, which sometimes complicates dishing out fines but always leads to mutual understanding.

Closer community ties in Monda

His approachable methods have transformed life in this small mountain village. Citizens participate more, show greater honesty and feel stronger connections with local police. Losing something in Monda now carries a positive side as Emilio turns each incident into a small story that unites the community.