Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that the government is preparing to ban access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16. Under the planned regulation, platforms will be required to implement mandatory age-verification systems, and executives who fail to comply may face criminal penalties.
The Spanish government has begun preparations for a major regulatory move aimed at protecting children in the digital environment. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that access to social media platforms will be prohibited for children under 16.
Sánchez said the decision will be presented to the Council of Ministers in the coming days as part of a comprehensive digital regulation package.
Announcement Made in Dubai
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Sánchez said, “Spain will ban access to social media for children under the age of 16. Platforms will be required to establish effective age-verification systems and real, enforceable barriers.”
Sánchez emphasized that the move is intended to protect children’s mental and social development.
The government stated that the regulatory package aims to create a “healthy digital environment.” Officials noted that stricter oversight mechanisms will be introduced to prevent potential abuses by major technology companies.
Under the new rules, digital platforms’ content policies related to children will be more closely monitored.
Criminal Liability for Executives
Sánchez said the “era of impunity” for social media company executives will come to an end. Accordingly, if platforms fail to remove hate speech and harmful content, criminal proceedings may be initiated against company executives.
Officials added that company management will be held directly responsible for violations committed in digital services.
Joint Investigation Mechanism with Prosecutors
The Spanish government will examine allegations of crimes involving social media platforms—particularly TikTok, Instagram, and AI-based applications—in cooperation with prosecutors.
Major technology companies such as Meta, the owner of Instagram, will also fall within the scope of inspections.
Prime Minister Sánchez stated that the regulation aims not only to protect children but also to defend the country’s “digital sovereignty” against external pressures. The government seeks to establish a stronger legal framework to regulate foreign technology companies.
According to experts, this move could mark the beginning of a new era for social media regulation in Europe.