Spain AI Labelling Bill: Transparency & Accountability in AI Content

1. Overview

Spain AI Labelling Bill (2025) has been put forward to oversee the use of AI-content generated by encouraging transparency and accountability in generating and distributing AI-based media like deepfakes. Its core aim is to safeguard people and the public against false information and misleading actions.

2. The Law’s Scope 

Deepfakes and other AI-generated content that can hurt people through defamation, fraud, or disinformation are the focus of the legislation. Both the production and distribution of such content are covered by the law. The bill’s main targets are political disinformation and non-consensual uses. AI-driven content for journalism, scholarly research, and artistic endeavours is granted an exception, and it is made sure to be appropriately identified.

3. Important Clauses 

• Requirements for Consent: The consent of a person is required to feature their likeness to be utilised in AI-generated material, unless there are exempted cases.  
• Platform Responsibilities: Platforms that create AI-generated material must have measures to remove and identify  deepfakes that are not labelled and ensure reporting mechanisms are made available to users.

4. Fines & Enforcement

• Violations of the AI Labelling Bill can have penalties of up to €500,000, imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both, depending on the severity of the crime. Civil sanctions may also be inflicted.
• Enforcement is the responsibility of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) with assistance from law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies.

5.  Major Cases or Precedents

The law so far has not yet been tested in the courts, but it will probably be legally challenged on its scope, particularly in relation to artistic and journalistic exceptions.

6. Comparison to Global Standards

Compared to global norms, Spain’s AI Labelling Bill is quite stringent, with an emphasis on consent and platform responsibility. It is even more stringent than the EU’s AI Act, with more emphasis on labelling and accountability.

7.  Implications of this Law

Creators must mark any material generated with AI, particularly deepfakes. Unmarked material victims of deepfakes can complain to platforms or the AEPD. Platforms must have AI detection software installed and remove malicious material.

8. Future Outlook

Spain could institute future updates to address growing threats, like enhanced penalties for impersonations based on AI and political manipulation.