Spain Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Setting Precedent for Tech Accountability
Spain has announced a new policy banning social media access for individuals under the age of 16, following a similar move by Australia. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed the decision at the World Government Summit in Dubai, emphasizing the need to protect young users from the harmful effects of social media. The ban is part of a broader initiative to hold tech companies accountable for failing to safeguard users. The Spanish government will require platforms to implement effective age-verification systems, moving beyond simple checkboxes to more robust barriers. This measure is one of five aimed at addressing the systemic issues within social media platforms, including the spread of disinformation and hate speech. Spain's decision marks the first such ban in Europe, with other countries like France and the UK considering similar legislation. 
