Spain Seeks Tighter Rules on Social Media and Online Anonymity

Spain plans to introduce stricter regulations on social media and artificial intelligence despite strong opposition from technology companies, Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López said.

He argued that the profits of major technology firms should not come at the expense of users’ rights and warned that influential voices are attempting to block measures aimed at limiting high-risk AI systems and increasing transparency around social media algorithms.

In February, Spain announced plans to ban teenagers from using social media. At the same time, parliament is debating legislation that would make platform operators personally liable for hate content.

Elon Musk, owner of the platform X, has criticized the proposals, describing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as a tyrant and a totalitarian politician.

López pointed to growing concerns over cyberbullying, sexual harassment and AI-generated deepfake content, which he said disproportionately affects children and girls. He added that online anonymity should not shield individuals from accountability for criminal acts.

He said actions that are illegal in the real world should not be permitted online.

(reuters, bak)