August M
Spain says it will continue pushing for stricter controls on artificial intelligence and social media platforms despite growing lobbying efforts from major technology companies.
The country has emerged as one of Europe’s strongest advocates for tighter digital regulation, citing concerns over online harm, privacy and child safety, reports Reuters.
Push for regulation
In an interview with Reuters, Spain’s digital transformation minister Oscar Lopez said governments could not allow large technology firms to prioritise profits over public protections.
“The profit of four tech companies cannot come at the expense of the rights of millions,” Lopez said.
He warned that major industry players were lobbying aggressively against proposed rules that would force companies to explain how recommendation algorithms operate and place limits on high-risk AI systems.
The comments echoed recent remarks from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the EU’s upcoming Digital Fairness Act would target harmful and addictive design features used by social media platforms.
Focus on children
Spain has already introduced plans to restrict social media use among teenagers, with proposed legislation currently moving through parliament.
Reuters reported the government also wants executives held personally responsible for hate speech published on their platforms.
The proposals have triggered backlash from some technology leaders, including X owner Elon Musk, who previously labelled Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a “tyrant” and “totalitarian.”
Lopez defended the measures by pointing to growing fears around cyberbullying, online harassment and AI-generated sexual deepfakes involving minors.
He described the impact on children and teenagers as a “mental health pandemic.”
European approach
Spanish officials are pushing for a coordinated European framework rather than separate national regulations, arguing rules are easier to enforce across the EU’s population of more than 400 million people.
Lopez said Spain supports what he described as “trustworthy AI,” focused on safeguarding democracy, public safety and privacy instead of maximising speed and profit.
The minister also argued online anonymity should not protect people accused of crimes.
“What isn’t legal in the real world cannot be legal in the virtual world. Full stop,” he told Reuters.
The debate comes as governments worldwide increase scrutiny of social media platforms and artificial intelligence amid rising concern over misinformation, online abuse and digital safety.
Sources: Reuters, European Commission
