MADRID – Spain will ban access to social media for children under 16, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday. The government will require platforms to implement strict age verification systems to enforce the rule.
Sanchez said the measures aim to protect minors from harmful content, including hate speech, pornography, and misinformation that are widely shared on social media platforms. He added that children were being exposed to online spaces they were never meant to navigate alone.
The Spanish government plans to introduce a new bill next week. It will hold social media executives accountable for illegal content, hate speech, and algorithmic manipulation. The legislation will also criminalize the amplification of unlawful material.
Sanchez addressed the World Government Summit in Dubai, urging other European countries to adopt similar measures. “We will protect them from the digital Wild West,” he said, emphasizing the need for a safe digital environment for young users.
Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 last December. Countries like Britain and France are reportedly considering similar age-based restrictions to safeguard young users online.
The Spanish government is also exploring legal investigations into major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Elon Musk’s Grok, to ensure compliance with new rules. Sanchez stressed that these steps are necessary to prevent minors from exposure to harmful content and digital manipulation.
Critics argue that the ban may be challenging to enforce, but supporters say it is a critical step toward protecting children from the dangers of the online world. Lawmakers hope Spain’s initiative will set a precedent for safer internet regulations across Europe.
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The government’s announcement reflects growing global concern over the impact of social media on youth and highlights efforts to make digital spaces safer and more responsible.
