Spain is set to become one of the first European nations to implement a strict ban on social media for children under the age of 16, as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ramps up the government’s efforts to protect minors from the darker corners of the internet.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai this week, Sánchez used strong language to describe the current state of the internet, referring to it as a "digital Wild West."
"Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone," Sánchez told the summit. He highlighted a list of concerns, including addiction, online abuse, pornography, and violence, stating flatly: "We will no longer accept that. We will protect them."
More Than Just a "Check Box"
The proposed legislation, which Sánchez hopes to see passed as early as next week, aims to move beyond simple age-verification "check boxes" that are easily bypassed. The Prime Minister called for "real barriers that work," acknowledging the flaws seen in other regions—such as Australia—where children have circumvented restrictions using simple workarounds like using photos of adults.
Key measures of the proposed plan include:
Mandatory Age Verification: Platforms must implement robust systems to ensure users are 16 or older.
Executive Accountability: Tech company executives could be held personally responsible for illegal or harmful content hosted on their platforms.
Algorithm Regulation: The laws would criminalise the manipulation of algorithms that amplify illegal content or disinformation for profit.
Anti-Hate Tracking: A new system will be developed to track how digital platforms fuel social division and amplify hate speech.
Targeting Tech Giants
The announcement comes at a time of increasing tension between European governments and major tech platforms. Sánchez specifically mentioned investigations into Grok (X’s AI tool), TikTok, and Instagram.
This move aligns with broader European actions; the European Commission and the UK have already launched investigations into Grok over concerns regarding the creation of sexualized images. Furthermore, the offices of X (formerly Twitter) in France were recently raided as part of a cybercrime investigation.
The reaction from tech leaders has been swift and sharp. Elon Musk, owner of X, reacted to the news by labelling Sánchez a "tyrant and traitor." Meanwhile, social media companies have argued that such bans are difficult to enforce and risk isolating vulnerable teenagers who rely on digital communities for support.
Will the Law Pass?
While Sánchez is pushing for a quick resolution, the path to implementation may be tricky. His left-wing coalition government does not hold a parliamentary majority.
However, there appears to be some cross-party consensus. The conservative People’s Party (PP) has indicated support for the spirit of the ban, noting they have proposed similar restrictions in the past. On the other hand, the far-right Vox party has already voiced its opposition.
A Growing Global Trend
Spain is not alone in its crusade. Australia made history last year by becoming the first country to implement a national social media ban for minors. In Europe, France is leading a similar charge, with President Emmanuel Macron aiming for an under-15 ban to be in place by September. Denmark, Austria, and the UK are also currently consulting on similar age-limit restrictions.
As Spain moves toward a vote, the eyes of the world—and the tech industry—will be on Madrid to see if the government can successfully tame the "Wild West" or if the digital barriers will prove too difficult to build.
What do you think? Is 16 the right age for social media, or is this an overreach of government power? Let us know in the comments below.