Spain Pushes Ahead With Tougher AI And Social Media Rules
Spain will continue pursuing stricter regulations aimed at making artificial intelligence and social media platforms safer despite strong opposition from the technology industry, Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez said.
In an interview with Reuters, Lopez argued that the financial interests of major technology companies should not outweigh the rights and safety of citizens.
“The profit of four tech companies cannot come at the expense of the rights of millions,” he said.
Spain Defends Stronger Regulation Of AI And Social Media
Lopez said “powerful voices” were lobbying against proposed measures designed to regulate high-risk AI systems and increase transparency around social media algorithms.
The proposed rules would require companies to explain how their recommendation systems operate while also imposing stricter oversight on technologies considered harmful or dangerous.
His comments echoed recent remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the European Union’s upcoming Digital Fairness Act would target addictive and harmful design practices used by social media companies.
Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s strongest supporters of tighter digital regulation, particularly around artificial intelligence and online safety.
Concerns Grow Over Harm To Children
The Spanish government has linked its regulatory push to growing concerns about cyberbullying, sexual harassment and AI-generated sexual deepfakes involving minors.
Lopez described the impact of harmful online content on children and teenagers as a “mental health pandemic”, particularly for girls targeted by manipulated sexual imagery.
In February, Spain announced plans to ban social media use by teenagers. A related bill is already moving through parliament.
The government also plans to introduce legislation that would hold social media executives personally responsible for hate speech appearing on their platforms.
These proposals have triggered criticism from some technology leaders. Elon Musk, owner of X, sharply criticised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over the plans, calling him a tyrant and a totalitarian.
Spain Calls For Coordinated European Action
Lopez said Spain favours a unified European approach to technology regulation because rules are easier to enforce across the European Union than through separate national measures.
He warned against what he described as a “law of the jungle” approach to digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
According to Lopez, Spain supports the development of “trustworthy AI”, which prioritises privacy, democracy, child protection and public safety rather than rapid expansion or corporate profits.
Online Anonymity Should Not Protect Criminal Behaviour
Lopez also addressed the issue of anonymity on digital platforms. He said individuals using pseudonyms online should not be protected from legal consequences if they commit crimes.
“What isn’t legal in the real world cannot be legal in the virtual world. Full stop,” he said.
His remarks reflect broader debates across Europe over balancing freedom of expression, online privacy and accountability on digital platforms.
With inputs from Reuters