Spain Introduces AI Regulation Bill with Fines for Misuse and Deepfakes

Spain has introduced a new bill to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with the European Union’s AI Act. The legislation enforces strict transparency obligations for high-risk AI systems and imposes substantial fines for non-compliance, including penalties of up to €35 million or 7% of a company’s global turnover. The bill specifically targets the misuse of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, requiring proper labeling to combat misinformation and protect democratic processes.

The legislation also bans harmful AI practices, such as subliminal techniques designed to manipulate vulnerable groups, including chatbots encouraging gambling or toys promoting risky behavior. Additionally, the use of AI for biometric classification to assess behavior or personal traits is prohibited, except for real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces for national security purposes.

A newly established AI supervisory agency, AESIA, will oversee the enforcement of these rules, except in specialized cases such as data privacy, elections, and financial systems, which will remain under the jurisdiction of corresponding regulators. The bill reflects Spain’s commitment to adopting the EU’s comprehensive AI framework, which is stricter than the largely voluntary approach seen in the United States.

This initiative underscores the EU’s leadership in setting global standards for AI governance, aiming to balance technological innovation with societal protection. The bill is still pending approval by Spain’s lower house but represents a significant step toward mitigating the risks posed by unregulated AI systems.