Spain Leads Europe: Social Media Ban for Under-16s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & More

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, aiming to protect young people from harmful content online. Announced at the World Government Summit in Dubai, the proposed measure would make Spain the first European country to implement such a broad age restriction.

Sánchez described social media as a “digital Wild West” where harmful material — from abuse and pornography to disinformation — can spread unchecked, leaving children vulnerable.

Age Verification and Tech Accountability Central to Plan

Under the proposal, social media companies would be required to install robust age verification systems that go beyond simple checkboxes to genuinely prevent under-16s from signing up. The aim is to close the loopholes that let young users bypass age limits with fake birthdates.

In addition to age checks, Sánchez outlined plans to hold tech executives criminally liable if illegal or harmful content persists on their platforms. The bill, which could be introduced in the Spanish parliament as soon as next week, also targets the manipulation of algorithms that amplify disinformation and hate speech.

Part of a Broader Push on Digital Child Protection

Spain’s announcement builds on similar moves globally. Australia implemented the world’s first under-16 social media ban late last year, and several European countries, including France and Denmark, are considering or adopting comparable measures for minors.

Sánchez called on other European governments to follow suit and said Spain has joined what he terms a “Coalition of the Digitally Willing” — a group of nations coordinating efforts to regulate online safety and protect young users across borders.

Political Support and Debate in Spain

While the move has broad public backing, especially among parents and child advocacy groups, the measure still needs parliamentary approval. Sánchez’s governing coalition doesn’t hold an outright majority, but major parties across the spectrum — including the opposition Popular Party — have expressed support for digital safety reforms.

Critics, particularly from tech and civil liberties circles, warn the plan raises questions about privacy, enforcement, and freedom of expression. Some argue it could lead to invasive age-verification systems or overreach in online regulation.

What Happens Next

If approved, the new law would require platforms to act swiftly to implement age checks and remove unauthorized under-16 accounts. Failure to comply could lead to fines or legal action against tech firms and executives. Parliament is expected to debate and potentially vote on the legislation in the coming weeks.

Spain’s move positions it at the forefront of a growing global conversation about how to balance digital innovation and online safety, especially for children navigating complex social media environments.