Spain to Ban Social Media for Under-16s, Hold Executives Accountable

• Spain plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, following Australia's lead.
• Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a law to hold social media executives personally responsible for hate speech and illegal content.
• Sanchez criticized social media owners as a "techno-caste" and urged other European countries to adopt similar measures, calling for a "Coalition of the Digitally Willing."
• Proposed measures include age verification systems that are more robust than simple checkboxes and criminalizing algorithmic manipulation.
• An Ipsos poll showed 82% of Spaniards support banning social media for children under 14, highlighting public concern.

Why It Matters: Spain is implementing strict social media regulations, including a ban for under-16s and executive accountability.