A wave of age limits on social media is now reaching Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government will propose banning social media access for anyone under 16. He argued that children are currently navigating online spaces without sufficient safeguards.
Speaking in Dubai, Sánchez criticized major platforms for allowing illegal content such as child sexual abuse and non-consensual deepfakes. He said governments must stop “turning a blind eye.”
The proposal will be added to an existing digital protections bill already moving through Spain’s parliament. Social media companies would be required to implement real age-verification systems instead of simple self-declared checkboxes. Sánchez also said executives could be held personally responsible for illegal or harmful content on their platforms.
Spain is moving in the same direction as other countries tightening rules on minors’ internet use. Australia has already passed a law making platforms liable if under-16s create accounts. France approved a ban for under-15s and plans to restrict phone use in high schools. Denmark is considering similar measures, and the UK is consulting on a possible ban.
Sánchez said Spain has joined what he called a “coalition of the digitally willing” with five other European countries to coordinate enforcement across borders. He did not name all members of this group, but said they would meet in the coming days.
Beyond age limits, Spain wants stronger controls over platform algorithms. Sánchez said authorities would criminalize deliberate manipulation of algorithms that amplify illegal content. He also proposed a system to monitor how digital platforms spread hate and division, though specific mechanisms were not detailed.
Politically, the plan still needs parliamentary approval. Sánchez’s coalition does not hold a majority, so negotiations will be required. Spain’s main conservative opposition has signaled support for similar restrictions, while the far-right Vox party has opposed the idea.
