Spain Bans Social Media for Under-16s, Criminalizes Algorithm Manipulation

Spain's Sweeping Digital Reforms Target Social Media Platforms

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced one of Europe's most aggressive digital regulatory packages, banning social media access for children under 16 and criminalizing algorithm manipulation that amplifies illegal content. The measures, unveiled at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, represent a significant escalation in Spain's approach to digital governance.

Five-Point Plan for Digital Safety

The comprehensive reform package includes five key measures: a complete ban on social media for minors under 16 with mandatory age verification systems; criminal liability for platform executives who fail to remove illegal content; criminalization of algorithm manipulation that deliberately amplifies illegal material; creation of a 'Hate and Polarization Footprint' tracking system; and enhanced cooperation with prosecutors to investigate platforms like Grok, TikTok, and Instagram.

'We are going to have zero tolerance on these issues and we are going to defend our digital sovereignty against any type of foreign coercion,' Sánchez declared during his Dubai address. 'My Government is going to turn social media into a healthy and democratic space, as it always should have been.'

Executive Accountability and Algorithm Transparency

One of the most striking elements of the reform is the personal liability imposed on social media executives. Under the proposed legislation, platform leaders could face criminal charges for illegal content that remains on their services. This represents a departure from the traditional 'safe harbor' protections that have shielded tech companies from liability for user-generated content.

The criminalization of algorithm manipulation specifically targets the automated systems that determine what content users see. 'We are going to open the black box of algorithms to verify if they comply with legal and moral requirements,' Sánchez emphasized, echoing previous calls he made at the Davos forum last year.

International Context and Implementation

Spain joins a growing number of European countries implementing stricter social media regulations. France already prohibits social media access for children under 15, while Australia sets the age limit at 16. The Spanish measures build upon existing legislation, including the Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments approved in June 2024, which raised the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16 without parental consent.

Digital rights experts have expressed mixed reactions to the proposals. 'While protecting children online is crucial, blanket bans may not address the root causes of digital harm,' noted cybersecurity analyst María López. 'The focus should be on digital literacy and responsible platform design, not just age restrictions.'

Broader Digital Governance Strategy

The social media reforms are part of Sánchez's broader digital governance agenda, which he has been developing since taking office. In November 2025, his government announced an investigation into Meta for alleged privacy violations affecting millions of users. The Prime Minister has consistently framed social media platforms as threats to democratic discourse, arguing they 'simplify and polarize public debate to generate an increasingly divided and easily manipulated society.'

The legislation will be introduced as amendments to existing laws and through new organic laws requiring parliamentary approval. With Sánchez's coalition government holding a working majority, the measures are expected to pass, though opposition parties have already signaled concerns about potential overreach and implementation challenges.

As Spain positions itself at the forefront of European digital regulation, the world will be watching how these ambitious reforms reshape the relationship between citizens, governments, and technology platforms in the digital age.