Pedro Sánchez wants to ban social media for children under 16

Spain's left-wing government plans to significantly tighten rules for digital platforms. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that Madrid wants to ban access to social networks for people under the age of 16, Euractiv reports.

The bill is to be presented next week, placing Spain among the EU countries seeking to restrict children's online activities. According to the prime minister, young people are exposed to an environment full of risks, from addiction to violence and manipulation, which he considers unacceptable.

The law would also impose stricter obligations on the platforms themselves, in particular the introduction of effective age verification systems that children cannot easily circumvent. Sánchez speaks of the need for "real barriers," not formal solutions.

The government wants to go even further and is also considering making company managers legally liable for illegal or hateful content if it is not removed in time.

France and other countries are preparing similar measures, finding support in the European Digital Services Act.

(pir)