The issue of regulating digital platforms in Spain is reaching a new level. Decisions made now have the power to change the rules of the game for millions of users and companies. Brussels has made it clear: national governments are not allowed to impose additional restrictions beyond European standards. This statement has already sparked a wave of discussion among experts and industry representatives.
Spanish authorities intend to tighten control over minors’ access to social networks and introduce new criminal charges related to algorithmic manipulation. However, the European Commission (Comisión Europea) insists that any measures must comply with unified European legislation, in order to maintain the balance between protecting citizens and safeguarding business freedom.
The European Commission’s stance
Brussels emphasizes that the Digital Services Act (DSA) already covers all key aspects of internet platform regulation. According to technology safety spokesperson Thomas Regnier, any additional steps at the national level risk fragmenting the market. The DSA protects the interests of 450 million Europeans, aiming to harmonize approaches to safeguarding minors and combating illegal content.
Particular attention is given to the fact that the responsibility for complying with the rules lies with the platforms themselves, not their executives. The DSA does not provide for criminal prosecution of individuals, focusing instead on companies. This is a key point that sets the European approach apart from some national initiatives.
Spanish initiative
Despite the position of the European Commission, Spain is preparing its own measures. Authorities plan to ban access to social networks for teenagers under 16 and introduce criminal liability for manipulating algorithms to spread illegal content. There is also discussion about penalties for failing to remove prohibited materials.
To implement these plans, a special app is being developed for anonymous age verification of users. It is based on the upcoming European digital identification and aims to ensure personal data protection. Spain is participating in a pilot project that could become a model for other EU countries.
Restrictions and disputes
The European Commission welcomes Spain’s efforts to strengthen the protection of minors, but reminds that national legislation must remain within the framework of the DSA. If platforms already have effective age verification systems, use of the Spanish app cannot be made mandatory. The question of who and how will bear responsibility for violations remains the subject of heated debate.
Spain is not the only country seeking to restrict teenagers’ access to social networks. Similar initiatives are being discussed in France, Denmark, Greece, and Austria. However, all of them face the need to align with pan-European regulations to avoid legal conflicts and not hinder the operations of international companies.
Oversight and consequences
The European Commission will closely monitor whether new member state laws comply with the DSA. Any initiatives exceeding European legislation will be considered only after official texts are published. This means the fate of Spain’s new measures largely depends on further negotiations and agreements at the EU level.
In recent years, the issue of regulating digital platforms has grown increasingly urgent. In 2025, France had already attempted to introduce similar restrictions but faced criticism from the European Commission. Denmark discussed blocking certain social network features for teenagers, but the project was put on hold due to legal complications. Debates on permissible control measures are also ongoing in Greece and Austria, but so far, no country has managed to implement its plans without coordination with Brussels. These examples show just how difficult it is to strike a balance between protecting citizens and maintaining uniform rules in the European market.
