A heated debate has erupted in Spain over the government’s plans to tighten regulation of social networks. For millions across the country, this could mean not only new restrictions, but also a rethinking of usual online behavior. At the center of attention are the potential consequences for freedom of expression, anonymity, and users’ personal security.
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, sharply criticized the initiatives proposed by Pedro Sánchez’s cabinet. In his view, new requirements for mandatory age verification and providing documents to access social networks could undermine anonymity and create conditions for sweeping control over personal data. Durov warns that if these measures go into effect, Spain risks becoming a state where every step online is tracked and recorded.
Response to the initiative
Authorities say their actions are necessary to protect minors and restore order in the digital space, which the prime minister called a ‘failed state.’ However, Durov believes that under the pretext of safety and child protection, mechanisms could be introduced that threaten basic citizens’ rights. In his address to Telegram users, he called the new rules dangerous and likely to lead to an unprecedented limitation of internet freedoms.
A particular concern is the clause on personal criminal liability for platform executives. If the law comes into force, top managers could face jail time for delays in removing controversial content. According to Durov, this would lead to widespread self-censorship: platforms would delete any material that could raise questions from regulators to avoid risks. As a result, not only critical opinions but also independent journalism would be under threat.
Anonymity at risk
A key aspect is the mandatory age and identity verification for all users. To do this, it is proposed to use either a national document or biometric data. Durov emphasizes that such a practice paves the way for collecting and storing vast amounts of personal information. This not only undermines anonymity but also poses the risk of abuse when the state or private companies gain access to the data of millions of people.
In addition, vague wording about ‘inciting hatred’ can be used to suppress dissent. Any criticism of the authorities risks being deemed dangerous, and the authors may face sanctions. Durov believes that such measures do not protect society but, on the contrary, open the door to total control and manipulation.
Government response
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez insists that new regulations are needed to stop chaos in the digital sphere. According to him, social networks have become spaces where laws are ignored and crime flourishes, and the state is obliged to intervene. Authorities emphasize that the main goal is to protect minors and combat illegal content.
However, critics point to the dangers of excessive intervention. If platform executives are made responsible for all content, it could lead to any controversial material being automatically removed, regardless of its context. As a result, the possibility for open debate will disappear and the space for expressing opinions will shrink to a minimum.
Implications for users
If the new rules are adopted, Spanish users will have to confirm their identity when registering on social networks. This may deter many who value privacy and do not wish to disclose their personal information. Additionally, age restrictions will block access to platforms for teenagers under 16, which could cause discontent among young people and their parents.
Experts warn that such measures could lead to the growth of the internet’s shadow sector, where government control is minimal. Users will seek ways to bypass the rules in order to maintain their anonymity and freedom of communication. In the long term, this could erode trust in government institutions and intensify polarization within society.
In recent years, Europe has already faced attempts to tighten control over the digital space. One need only recall the recent conflict between Elon Musk and the Spanish authorities, when new restrictions sparked outrage among users and tech companies. The same questions were discussed then: where is the line between protecting society and violating individual rights, and who should set the rules for the internet.
Debates over acceptable measures for regulating social networks have also repeatedly arisen in other EU countries. Germany and France have introduced laws to combat fake news and extremism, but each time concerns emerged about excessive censorship and pressure on freedom of speech. The Spanish initiative is yet another link in this chain, once again raising the issue of balancing security and freedom.
There have previously been scandals in Spain over new rules for social networks. In particular, Elon Musk openly opposed government decisions to tighten control over platforms and the mass legalization of migrants. More on that conflict can be found in the article “Musk clashed with the Spanish government over new restrictions”, which explores the causes and consequences of those events in detail.
