THE BOTTOM LINE
- A new AI governance law is advancing, signaling upcoming compliance requirements for companies developing or using AI systems in Spain.
- Spain is updating its right to honor and privacy laws for the digital age, increasing potential liability for online content and corporate communications.
- The judiciary’s approval of these legislative reports is a critical step, indicating that businesses should begin preparing for a new regulatory landscape in technology and digital reputation management.
THE DETAILS
Spain’s General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), the governing body of the country’s judges, has unanimously approved its official reports on two pivotal pieces of draft legislation. This approval is a mandatory step in Spain’s legislative process for laws that affect the judiciary. While the CGPJ’s reports are non-binding, their endorsement signifies that these major legal reforms are advancing and are one step closer to becoming law, making this a key moment for businesses to take note.
The first draft law focuses on establishing a framework for the “good use and governance of Artificial Intelligence.” For CEOs and in-house counsel, this is a clear signal to prepare for a new wave of regulation. The forthcoming law will likely introduce new obligations regarding transparency, risk assessment, and accountability for AI systems deployed in the Spanish market. Companies will need to scrutinize their AI development and procurement processes to ensure they align with the new national standards, which are expected to complement the broader EU AI Act.
The second piece of legislation aims to modernize the Organic Law on the civil protection of the right to honor, personal and family privacy, and self-image. The existing law has long been considered outdated in the face of the internet, social media, and the rapid spread of digital information. The new draft law seeks to address modern challenges, from online harassment to the misuse of images. This reform will have a direct impact on corporate risk, affecting everything from social media policies and digital marketing to the handling of user-generated content and managing online brand reputation.
SOURCE
Consejo General del Poder Judicial
