Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has unveiled plans to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, mandating robust age verification systems as part of a sweeping legislative package to curb toxic online content.
Social Media
Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Sánchez declared platforms must erect “real barriers that work” beyond mere checkboxes, shielding minors from the “digital Wild West” where they navigate unprotected.
The proposal, set for approval by Spain’s Council of Ministers next week, amends a draft bill in parliament and holds social media executives legally accountable for illegal content like disinformation, hate speech and child pornography.
The measures introduce tools to track harmful material spread, while criminalising algorithm manipulation that amplifies such content for profit.
“Spreading hate must come at a legal, economic and ethical cost platforms can no longer ignore,” Sánchez emphasised, vowing governments would stop turning a blind eye.
Spain joins Europe’s hardening stance on youth online access, mirroring Denmark’s under-15 ban plans from last fall, France’s push for restrictions by September, and Portugal’s new bill requiring parental consent for under-16s.
The moves signal a continental shift to “regain control” of digital spaces amid rising concerns over youth vulnerability.
