Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that children under 16 will be banned from accessing social media. Platforms must implement strict age verification systems. Sánchez said the move protects minors from a “digital Wild West.”
The proposed ban will amend existing legislation, which currently restricts access to users aged 16 and older. It will prohibit minors from registering on social media. The Council of Ministers is expected to approve the law next week.
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Spain joins other European nations in limiting kids’ online access. Denmark plans a ban for under-15s, France aims for under-16s by September, and Portugal requires parental consent for minors. Sánchez said these measures are needed to “regain control” of the digital space.
The law also holds social media executives legally accountable for illegal content. It targets disinformation, hate speech, child pornography, and algorithmic manipulation. Sánchez warned that platforms spreading hate or illegal content will face legal, economic, and ethical consequences.
Read more: France approves social media ban for under-15s
The EU’s Digital Services Act requires platforms to reduce online risks, including for children. Spain’s measures align with EU rules, and regulators previously fined Elon Musk’s X €120 million for failing transparency obligations. Enforcement will remain a shared responsibility between national governments and the European Commission.