ES | Incident Report
Regulatory Action
2026-01-13
Spain cabinet approves draft bill to curb AI deepfakes and tighten image-consent rules
AI Model: Unspecified generative AI tool
I. Executive Summary
Spain’s cabinet approved draft legislation to curb AI deepfakes and tighten consent rules for the use of images, voices, and likenesses, according to Reuters. The draft sets 16 as the minimum age for consenting to use one’s image and restricts reuse of online images and AI-generated likenesses or voices without permission. Reuters reported the bill also targets commercial/advertising uses without consent and includes exceptions for creative or satirical uses with clear AI labelling.
II. Key Facts
- Spain’s cabinet approved draft legislation addressing AI deepfakes and consent rules.• The bill sets 16 as the minimum age for valid consent to use one’s own image and limits reuse of online images and AI-generated voices/likenesses without permission.• The reform deems illegitimate the commercial/advertising use of an AI-generated image or voice of a person without consent, with certain labelled creative/satirical exceptions.• Draft law proceeds to consultations before returning for final approval and submission to Parliament (per Reuters).
III. Regulatory & Ethical Implications
Expands civil-rights and consent-based risk for organisations (and their counsel/advisers) deploying or commissioning AI-generated likeness/voice content in Spain, especially in advertising and commercial communications. Advisers should expect increased demand for consent management, provenance/labelling compliance, and rapid takedown/claims handling strategies for AI-manipulated image and voice misuse.