Spain is preparing a sweeping digital reform that will affect millions of families and teenagers. The country’s authorities have announced their intention to completely ban access to social networks and digital platforms for anyone under 16. This decision has already sparked heated debate among parents, educators, and IT industry representatives, as it marks the most radical restriction in the history of the Spanish internet.
The main goal of these new measures is to protect minors from risks associated with virtual communication, cyberbullying, and the spread of harmful content. According to government officials, modern social networks have become spaces where laws are often ignored and crimes go unpunished. Platforms will now be required to implement effective age verification systems to prevent users from circumventing the ban.
Platform accountability
A key part of the reform will be tougher responsibility for digital company executives. If illegal or hate-inciting content appears on a platform and the administration fails to act, top managers will face personal legal liability. This innovation is intended to put an end to inaction and push companies to enforce stricter control over published materials.
The authorities also intend to introduce criminal liability for manipulating algorithms that facilitate the dissemination of prohibited information. Special attention will be given to cases where automated systems artificially boost the reach of dangerous content. In the near future, a joint effort with the prosecutor’s office is planned to investigate the activities of major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and the AI system Grok, which has already become embroiled in a scandal over the mass distribution of intimate images.
Combating hate
One of the key elements of the reform will be the creation of a system for monitoring and analyzing so-called ‘digital polarization.’ This new tool will make it possible to identify and document cases of hostile speech, as well as assess the extent to which the platforms themselves contribute to increased aggression and social discord. According to its proponents, this will not only help uncover the sources of problems but also publicly demonstrate which companies neglect their responsibilities to protect users.
Spain has already joined a coalition of European countries calling for stricter regulation of digital services. The authorities hope that joint efforts will allow new safety standards to be implemented more quickly and effectively, as well as foster exchange of experience with neighbors where similar measures are already delivering early results.
International experience
Such initiatives are not unique to Spain. In recent years, France and Portugal have also begun introducing age restrictions for social media users, and in some countries, a total ban on certain platforms for minors is under discussion. The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation and supports the exchange of best practices among member states.
The surge of interest in children’s digital safety is linked to a rise in incidents involving cyberbullying, the spread of intimate photos, and teenagers being drawn into dangerous online communities. In 2025, several EU countries recorded their first court cases against IT company executives who failed to prevent the publication of illegal content. These precedents sent a clear message to other nations that the era of impunity in the digital sphere is coming to an end.
