The Spanish government is moving to tighten control over major digital platforms, with a particular focus on protecting minors online.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to ban access to social media for under-16s in Spain.
The proposal forms part of a wider package of five legislative measures aimed at creating what the government describes as a safer, more democratic digital environment. Alongside the age restriction, platforms would be required to introduce effective age-verification systems that go beyond simple self-declared dates of birth.
The aim, according to Sánchez, is to curb what he calls abuses by large technology companies and to better protect fundamental rights online.
The announcement prompted a swift reaction from Elon Musk, who criticised Sánchez on social media following the speech.
Spain social media ban under 16s: Clash with tech firms
The move continues the Spanish government’s increasingly tough stance on big technology companies. Sánchez has previously clashed publicly with Meta, and his government has launched investigations into alleged data protection breaches.
Spain has also taken enforcement action at national level. The country’s competition authority recently fined Amazon and Apple a combined €194 million for restricting competition.
Sánchez has repeatedly argued that European governments must push back against what he calls the “tech elite”, supporting tougher regulation across the EU.
Spain social media under 16s: A growing debate
The proposed social media ban would sit within a new law on protecting minors in digital environments, currently moving through Spain’s parliament, which already raises the minimum age for opening social media accounts to 16.
Other European countries are considering similar measures. France has discussed restricting access for under-15s, while Portugal is debating limits for children under 13 and parental consent for teenagers.
Supporters argue that social media now plays an outsized role in young people’s lives. Recent studies show that more than 90% of teenagers use social platforms regularly, with many starting before secondary school.
Sánchez has previously warned that governments cannot simply accept that children are “digital natives” and leave them exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content.
More measures on the table
Beyond age limits, the Spanish government is proposing:
- making the manipulation of algorithms that amplify illegal content a criminal offence
- introducing potential criminal liability for senior platform executives who fail to act against unlawful activity
- creating systems to track hate speech and online polarisation
- working with prosecutors to investigate companies including Google, TikTok and Instagram
Spain has also joined a group of European countries seeking coordinated international action to speed up tougher regulation of digital platforms.
Support from families’ groups
Parent organisations have broadly welcomed the proposals. Groups campaigning for reduced screen use among children say age limits must be backed by proper verification systems and real penalties for companies that fail to comply.
They argue the focus should not be on punishing young people, but on stopping platforms from collecting minors’ data or pushing age-inappropriate content.
While the measures still need parliamentary approval, the announcement signals a clear shift towards stricter digital regulation in Spain, and adds momentum to a debate already spreading across Europe.
