Madrid wants to allow social media only from the age of 16

Spain will ban access to social networks for minors under the age of 16, and platforms will have to implement age verification systems. This was announced on Tuesday at the World Government Summit in Dubai by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

"Our children are exposed to a space they should never have to navigate on their own. We will no longer accept this. We will protect them from the digital Wild West," he explained.

He added that his government will also introduce a new bill next week that will hold social media executives accountable for illegal and hateful content.

In December, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under the age of 16.

This is a move that is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures, such as Britain and France.

(reuters, max)