Spain moves to ban under-16s from social media as Elon Musk lashes out
Spain has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media in a major effort to protect young people from harmful online content. The proposal was made public by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and has drawn strong criticism from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who reacted angrily online.
The proposed law would require social media companies to introduce strict age-verification systems to block under-16s from accessing platforms. The government also plans measures that could hold tech executives legally responsible if their platforms fail to remove illegal or hateful content.
Sánchez described social media as a “digital wild west” where rules are often ignored and dangerous material spreads easily. He said the plan aims to address issues such as addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation and violence that young people can face online.
Elon Musk, owner of the platform X, responded with personal attacks against Sánchez, accusing him of authoritarian behaviour in a series of posts.
If passed, Spain would become one of the first European countries to set 16 as the minimum age for social media use. Other countries are also considering similar age restrictions as concerns grow about children’s safety online.
The proposal will be sent to parliament for approval, where it may face political challenges before becoming law.
Supporters say the move will improve online safety for children and force tech companies to take greater responsibility. Critics argue it could raise concerns about freedom of expression and the practical challenges of enforcing age checks.
The debate reflects increasing global concern about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, behaviour and exposure to harmful content.