Worldwide Regulatory Monitor for Artificial Intelligence
Spain is making significant strides in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), with the Draft Spanish AI Law serving as the cornerstone of its ambitious framework. The law, approved by the Council of Ministers on March 11, 2025, adopts a risk-based model, categorizing AI systems into four tiers: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal risk. This approach aligns closely with the EU AI Act but includes Spain-specific elements designed to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.
Key institutional components include the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA), which has been operational since June 2024 and functions as the national AI market surveillance authority, enforcing compliance and overseeing AI governance in Spain. AESIA is responsible for managing the RD Sandbox, a regulatory sandbox established under Royal Decree 817/2023, enabling twelve selected AI projects to pilot technologies in a controlled setting with regulatory guidance.
Companies, especially those deploying high-risk AI applications, face comprehensive obligations under the Spanish AI regulations. These include stringent documentation, data governance protocols, human oversight, and transparency requirements such as clear labeling of AI-driven content. Furthermore, the framework incorporates worker protections through the Rider Law, mandating disclosure of algorithmic decision-making processes to worker representatives.
Spain is also advancing significant AI infrastructure projects, notably the AI factory at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, funded with €61.76 million to democratize access to supercomputing resources and boost AI development capacity.
The Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, established by Order ETD/670/2020, provides independent advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Digital Transformation and encourages expert debate on public policies. This body contributes to the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the analysis of its implications.
The forthcoming Draft Spanish AI Law is expected to apply throughout Spain once enacted and will govern any AI system that is placed on the Spanish market, put into service or used in Spain, or produces effects in Spain. Several sector-specific regulators are involved in AI oversight in relation to their fields, such as data protection, competition, finance, labor, and healthcare.
Spain is preparing a law for the 'Good Use and Governance of Artificial Intelligence', which will implement and supplement the EU AI Act and create a domestic sanctioning regime. In addition to the national regulatory and strategic frameworks on artificial intelligence, each autonomous community has adopted its own set of initiatives to address the specific socioeconomic, institutional, and technological needs of its region.
With the Draft Spanish AI Law, the AESIA Statute, and the RD Sandbox in place, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in AI governance among EU countries. The comprehensive approach to AI regulation, coupled with significant investment in AI infrastructure, sets the stage for a future where AI can drive innovation while ensuring ethical and responsible use.
- Spain's international legal compliance in the AI industry is advancing with the Draft Spanish AI Law, serving as a foundation for its progressive framework.
- The Draft Spanish AI Law, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2025, adopts a risk-based model, categorizing AI systems into four tiers.
- The Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA), operational since June 2024, is the national AI market surveillance authority, enforcing compliance and overseeing AI governance.
- Under the Spanish AI regulations, companies deploying high-risk AI applications face comprehensive obligations, including stringent documentation, data governance, human oversight, and transparency requirements.
- Spain's Rider Law mandates disclosure of algorithmic decision-making processes to worker representatives, providing worker protections in AI applications.
- The AI factory at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, funded with €61.76 million, is an exemplary AI infrastructure project aimed at democratizing access to supercomputing resources.
- The Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, established in 2020, provides independent advice to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, encouraging expert debate on AI public policies.
- The forthcoming Draft Spanish AI Law will apply throughout Spain, governing any AI system on the Spanish market, in service, or producing effects in Spain.
- Each autonomous community in Spain has adopted its own set of initiatives to address specific regional needs, in addition to the national regulatory and strategic frameworks on artificial intelligence.
- With the Draft Spanish AI Law, AESIA Statute, and RD Sandbox in place, Spain emerges as a leader in AI governance among EU countries, paving the way for responsible AI development and innovation.
