Spain Implements Ban on Social Media Access for Minors Under 16

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Spain Implements Ban on Social Media Access for Minors Under 16

1 hour ago

News sources:

REUTERS

LEMONDE

Spain Implements Ban on Social Media Access for Minors Under 16

Credited from: REUTERS

Spain will prohibit social media access for minors under 16.
New age verification systems will be mandatory for online platforms.
Executives will face criminal liability for failing to manage illegal content.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the country will ban access to social media for minors under 16 during the World Government Summit in Dubai. This measure aims to protect children from harmful content, which includes pornography and violence. Sanchez emphasized that "our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone," underscoring the need for effective age verification systems on digital platforms according to Reuters, AA, and Le Monde.

Alongside the social media ban, Sanchez revealed plans to change laws making tech executives criminally liable for failing to remove illegal or hateful content. His government intends to introduce a bill next week that includes implementing real barriers for age verification, moving beyond mere checkboxes. These new regulations follow similar initiatives in Australia and various other European nations as Sanchez aims to “regain control” over online platforms according to Reuters, AA, and Le Monde.