By Ebi Kesiena
Spain is set to ban access to social media for children under the age of 16, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced.
Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Sánchez said the measure would restrict minors from using social media platforms and require companies to introduce strict age-verification systems.
“Our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone,”. “We will no longer accept that. We will protect them from the digital Wild West.” Sánchez said
The Spanish leader also revealed that his government plans to introduce a new bill next week aimed at holding social media executives legally accountable for the spread of illegal and hateful content on their platforms.
The move follows a similar decision by Australia, which in December became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16.
Spain’s proposal is expected to draw close attention from other European nations, including Britain and France, which are also weighing age-based restrictions on social media access.
