The Spanish government has approved a draft bill imposing heavy fines on companies that fail to properly label AI-generated content, such as deepfakes. Following the EU’s AI Act guidelines, the draft bill aims for greater transparency in high-risk AI systems, preventing misinformation and digital manipulation. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue. The proposal also bans practices like subliminal manipulation and the use of AI to categorize individuals based on biometric data.
Enforcement will be overseen by Spain’s newly established AI regulatory agency (AESIA), with exceptions for areas such as privacy, crime, and elections, which will have specific oversight. Spain is positioning itself at the forefront of AI regulation, setting a stricter model compared to the U.S., which still relies on voluntary compliance.