Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a stringent crackdown on social media, aiming to ban access for children under 16 and hold platform executives criminally liable for illegal content. The laws, described as a response to a “digital Wild West,” are set to begin implementation next week. This regulatory shift coincides with European crypto firms, including those in Spain, transitioning to comply with the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework by June 30.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the country will ban social media access for children under 16. The plan requires platforms to implement age verification systems and imposes criminal liability on executives for infringements.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Sánchez said Spain would require “real barriers that work” to restrict minors’ access. Authorities plan to hold executives liable for not removing “illegal or hateful” content.
“Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone,” said Sánchez. “Space of addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation, violence. We will no longer accept that.”
The prime minister stated the laws would begin implementation next week. This push includes investigations into Elon Musk’s Grok, Instagram, and TikTok regarding algorithmic manipulation.
Sánchez’s announcement followed similar considerations in the UK and recent actions in Australia. Authorities there began requiring social media platforms to ban minors under 16 in December.
As an EU member state, Spain is subject to the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework passed in 2023. The law gives crypto companies operating before December 2024 until June 30 to comply.
Spain’s national securities regulator detailed its expectations for crypto companies in December. The notice covered authorizations, notifications, and compliance requirements under MiCA.
