Spain has emerged as the latest European country to propose a ban on social media for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the initiative at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, stating, We will protect them from the digital Wild West. This measure comes as part of broader changes aimed at making company executives responsible for managing illegal or harmful content on their platforms.
While the ban awaits parliamentary approval, it mirrors similar moves by other countries such as Australia, which first introduced a ban last year. France, Denmark, and Austria are also contemplating their own age restrictions. Sánchez expressed his urgency to pass the law soon, despite challenges posed by the current lack of parliamentary majority for his coalition government.
Critics of the proposed ban argue that it could isolate vulnerable teenagers and prove difficult to enforce. Social media companies have initiated legal challenges against similar bans, such as Reddit's challenge against Australia's legislation.
Sánchez described social media as a source of addiction and abuse, highlighting the need for protective measures in a realm where children navigate alone. He proposed stringent age verification mechanisms, emphasizing that they should embody effective barriers against underage users.
Efforts to manage online content will also include tracking how digital platforms propagate division and hate, as well as criminalizing manipulation algorithms that promote illegal content. Recent investigations into social media tools used for creating indecent materials reflect the seriousness with which Spain intends to address these issues.
The announcement has garnered varied reactions, with some opposition parties supporting the initiative while others, like the far-right Vox party, oppose it. Notably, X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk criticized Sánchez's plan, branding him a tyrant and traitor to the people of Spain.
