Spain's PM: Artificial intelligence must not fall under control of "tech oligarchs"

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly called for strict regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that without clear and firm rules, there is a risk that the technology could ultimately end up under the exclusive control of a handful of large technology companies and their owners — whom the prime minister described as "tech oligarchs".

A call for regulation

Sánchez's warning is aimed at ensuring that the development and use of artificial intelligence does not depend solely on decisions made by private corporations. By using the term "tech oligarchs", the head of the Spanish government pointed to concerns about the disproportionately large influence currently concentrated in the hands of a few major technology companies and their leaders.

Wider context

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence in recent years has sparked debate in various countries around the world about how to balance technological innovation with the need for public and state oversight of the field. Sánchez's statement forms part of this broader conversation, expressing the view that the future of AI should be subject to democratic and legal oversight rather than being left solely to the market and private companies.

The Spanish prime minister's remarks suggest that his government intends to take an active stance in the international debate on AI regulation, advocating for a tighter regulatory approach toward the technology sector in this area.