Spain is set to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, mirroring similar moves by the UK and other countries. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the measure on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to protect young people from the potential harms of online content.

Sánchez, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, criticized tech companies for failing to adequately address illegal content, including child sex abuse material and nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images and videos, on their platforms. He argued that governments must actively intervene, stating, "Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone... We will no longer accept that". He characterized the current digital landscape as a "digital Wild West" and a "failed state" where laws are ignored and crimes are tolerated.

The Spanish government intends to hold social media executives legally accountable for infringements occurring on their platforms. This includes potential criminal charges for failing to remove hateful or illegal content. Furthermore, Spain aims to criminalize the manipulation of algorithms and defend its "digital sovereignty against any foreign interference".

To enforce the ban, social media platforms will be required to implement robust age verification systems, moving beyond simple "check boxes" to create "real barriers that work". The specific mechanisms for age verification are yet to be detailed, but the government has indicated it will explore options, potentially involving a government-backed tool to ensure user privacy.

This decision follows a growing international trend to regulate social media and protect younger users. Australia implemented a similar ban for under-16s last December. France is also taking steps to restrict minors' access to social media, with lawmakers approving a bill to ban social media for children under 15. Denmark has introduced similar legislation to ban access to social media for users under 15.

The move has sparked debate, with some raising concerns about potential privacy implications related to age verification processes, while others question the practicality of enforcing such a ban. Some argue that regulation of social media companies and algorithms would be a more effective approach. A draft law approved at the end of March last year raised the minimum age to open a social media account from 14 to 16, requiring parental authorization for those under 16.

Sánchez acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing that social media companies are "wealthier and more powerful than many nations," including Spain. However, he asserted that their power should not deter efforts to ensure online safety for children. Spain has formed a coalition with five other European countries to enforce stricter social media regulations. The first meeting is expected to happen in the coming days.