Spain to ban social media for under-16s, tighten platform rules

KATHMANDU: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced plans to prohibit social media use for children under 16 and strengthen regulations on platforms that spread or promote illegal and hateful content.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Sánchez emphasized that the measures aim to protect minors from the growing risks associated with digital platforms, which he described as increasingly unsafe for young users.

The Spanish government plans to introduce a new bill next week to reinforce legal responsibilities for social media companies.

The legislation may hold senior officials accountable for failing to remove illegal content, while urging tech firms to act more responsibly and curb online abuse.

Sánchez also announced the development of new mechanisms to monitor the spread of hateful and polarizing content online and enhance accountability.

Regarding the proposed age restriction, he warned that children face heightened risks of online bullying, exploitation, manipulation, and exposure to violent or explicit content, and the government will enforce the ban with effective oversight.