Genesis is the first book of the bible – it was also a rock band to those of a certain age – and means the origin, creation, or beginning of something. I’m pretty sure the bible played no part in Hyundai’s decision to create a luxury arm for their cars. Genesis is though, a pretty good name for a new marque.

Launched in Europe back in 2021 the company still has a long road ahead, if you’ll excuse the pun, when you look at Toyota and Lexus and the time it took them to gain a foothold. Genesis sales in Europe haven’t hit any high numbers but then five years in the overall scheme of things isn’t a long time.

The company has announced a new performance model, the GV60 Magma and is moving towards more advanced electric and hybrid models. In GV60, which was the first Genesis model designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, there’s much to praise with a very useable kilometre/mileage range across all model versions and a sensible rather than exhaustive list of model options. As with all Genesis models the premium quality and feel puts many more established car makers to shame.

Three versions are on offer – Pure, Sport and Performance – with prices starting from €62,568/£54,115. Power outputs range from 229PS up to 490PS with corresponding times of 7.8 seconds to a mere 4 seconds to pass the benchmark 62mph. The lead-in Pure car has a single motor rear wheel drive configuration with the Sport and Performance versions opting for dual motors and all-wheel-drive.

Standard equipment across the board is excellent and includes heated seats and steering wheel, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, navigation, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear view mirror, wireless phone charging, dual zone climate, power tailgate, auto lights and wipers, smart cruise, power seats, Android Auto and Apple Car Play plus a heat pump.

Inside there’s good space even if the rear is a little cosier than some rivals, the super comfortable quilted seats offer good adjustment and support and the whole interior oozes premium quality. Externally the GV60 is a good-looking car, to this writer, and is not the usual rather formulaic designs that seem to pervade the showrooms nowadays.

On the road the refinement is again top notch and while my GV60 was the lead-in Pure the handling and general performance doesn’t leave you feeling short changed. It’s no sports machine but offers all you need with the added bonus of comfort and a hushed interior that would put a library to shame. If you’re looking for a thinking person’s EV then the GV60 ticks all the boxes.

Facts at a glance

• Model: Genesis GV60 Pure
• Engine: Rear wheel drive, single motor, developing 229PS, 84kwh battery
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: €62,568/£54,115
• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62 mph 7.8 seconds Max’ speed 185kph/115mph
• Range: 560km/348 miles
• Emissions: 0 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

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.