Spain is poised to become the latest nation to restrict social media access for minors, announcing plans to ban platforms for those under the age of 16. The move, unveiled by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on , at the World Government Summit in Dubai, follows a similar ban implemented in Australia and is part of a broader European trend towards stricter regulation of tech giants. The Spanish plan includes measures to hold company executives legally accountable for harms to users.
Sánchez described social media as a “failed state,” alleging that laws are ignored, crime is tolerated, disinformation thrives, and hate speech is rampant. He argued that the platforms distort public conversation and exploit user data. The proposed ban is included within a five-point package of measures aimed at “regaining control” of the digital space, with the government seeking to address systemic failures in protecting users from harm.
Technical Implementation: Age Verification Challenges
Implementing the ban presents a significant technical challenge: verifying age without compromising user anonymity. According to digital expert Paloma Llaneza, a system is needed that confirms a user is over the age limit without collecting personally identifiable information like names. The proposed solution leverages the “Cartera Digital Beta” app, part of an EU pilot project for a digital wallet, utilizing “Zero Knowledge Proof” technology.
This technology allows a third party to verify age without accessing or storing personal data. Llaneza explains that the system can function in Spain because minors already possess national identification cards. The process would confirm age without requiring users to submit additional personal details, addressing privacy concerns.
Beyond the Ban: Accountability and Algorithmic Manipulation
The Spanish government’s plan extends beyond simply restricting access. Sánchez outlined four additional measures targeting the digital landscape. These include holding managers criminally liable for violations occurring on their platforms, criminalizing algorithmic manipulation, and establishing a “hate and polarization footprint” to measure the negative impacts of social networks. Details on how the latter two measures will be implemented remain unclear.
The announcement also prompted a swift reaction from Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), who criticized Sánchez on his platform, calling him a “tyrant and traitor to the Spanish people.”
Public and Political Support
Despite the controversy, the proposed ban enjoys significant public support within Spain. An Ipsos poll conducted in August revealed that 82 percent of respondents favor a social media ban for children under 14. The conservative People’s Party (PP) also supports raising the age limit, although criticism has come from the far-right Vox party, which labeled the plans as “censorship.”
A Growing European Trend
Spain’s move is part of a wider European discussion about protecting young people online. France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom are all considering similar national age limits. Australia pioneered the approach last year, and its implementation is being closely watched by other nations. Portugal is also actively debating legislation, with a draft bill under consideration that would require parental consent for social media access for those under 13, and allow parents to decide for those aged 13 to 16.
The Spanish government intends to enforce the ban starting next week, though it still requires parliamentary approval. The success of the ban will likely hinge on the effectiveness of the age verification system and the willingness of social media platforms to cooperate with the new regulations. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Facebook will be required to implement effective age-verification systems, going beyond simple checkbox confirmations to establish “real barriers that work.”
The debate surrounding these bans highlights the growing concern over the potential harms of social media on young people, including addiction, abuse, exposure to inappropriate content, and manipulation. While social media companies argue that bans are ineffective and difficult to enforce, governments are increasingly taking action to protect children in the digital realm.
