• Elon Musk criticized Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez for proposing social media bans for children under 16.
• Sanchez cited the need for digital protection against harmful content.
• Spain's government faces criticism and a backlash for Musk's comments on democracy and sovereignty.

Elon Musk harshly criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez after the latter announced a proposal to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16. Sanchez described this initiative as part of a necessary response to protect minors from being subjected to what he termed a "digital wild west," stating that social media platforms had become places where "laws are ignored and crimes are tolerated." In response, Musk labeled Sanchez a "tyrant" and a "traitor" on X, escalating his attack by referring to him as "Dirty Sanchez," further deepening the controversy surrounding social media regulations in Spain, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

The proposed regulations aim to create a legal structure that holds tech executives responsible for the proliferation of illegal content on their platforms, as well as deepen the scrutiny surrounding social media usage among minors. Sanchez remarked on the urgency of these measures at a World Governments Summit, emphasizing the need to safeguard children from online dangers. These regulatory efforts reflect a wider shift in Europe, as multiple countries consider similar restrictions on social media access for minors, according to Al Jazeera and AA.

In the aftermath of Musk's critical remarks, Spain's Justice Minister Felix Bolanos asserted that Musk's attack could undermine democracy, framing it as part of ongoing attempts by billionaires to influence political discourse. Bolanos condemned the tech billionaire’s comments as indicative of a broader threat posed by wealthy figures who, according to him, threaten social cohesion and rights. He stated, "These predators of everyone now directly involve themselves in politics," thereby highlighting the tension between civil governance and corporate influence, according to AA.

The situation escalated further as Musk's Grok AI chatbot faced scrutiny for allegations of generating inappropriate content, prompting the Spanish government to explore legal actions against various platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. The Spanish public appears supportive of tighter regulations, with surveys indicating significant backing for age restrictions on social media, a trend that has gained traction in the context of growing concerns around the mental health impacts of social media based on algorithmic interactions, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.