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Spain dilutes proposed social media ban for under-16s
Initial plans for a blanket ban have evolved as legislation moves through Spanish Parliament
Plans to restrict children's access to social media in Spain have taken a more nuanced turn, months after the government announced its intention to introduce what was widely described as a blanket ban for under-16s.
Back in February, President of the Government Pedro Sánchez unveiled proposals to prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. At the time, the announcement was presented as a straightforward ban, with age verification systems expected to play a key role.
However, amendments now agreed by the governing coalition of PSOE and Sumar suggest the final legislation may not go quite as far as initially thought.
Under the latest proposal, children under 16 would be barred from social media platforms that expose minors to harmful content. Platforms would need to demonstrate to Spain's National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) that they have adequate safeguards in place to protect young users from harmful material and potentially addictive features.
The proposal means access would not necessarily be prohibited across all social media networks. Instead, platforms would be assessed on whether they meet child protection requirements set out under the legislation.
The draft Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments is still making its way through Parliament, so it could be amended further before becoming law.
The coalition has also agreed to introduce tougher measures aimed at social media companies themselves. Among them is the creation of criminal offences linked to the use of algorithms that promote illegal content, including material encouraging suicide, self-harm, child sexual abuse, sexual deepfakes and hate crimes.
Platform operators and executives could also face criminal liability if they knowingly fail to remove illegal content or ignore orders requiring its removal.
The government has argued that the measures are necessary to address growing concerns about the impact of social media and digital platforms on children's mental health, wellbeing and safety.
While the February announcement suggested Spain was heading towards an outright social media ban for under-16s, the latest wording indicates a system based more on regulation and platform compliance than a universal prohibition.
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