Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared his government will not be "swayed by tech oligarchs" as Spain moves forward with restrictions on social media use by minors and considers a broader prohibition of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The forceful language from Sánchez, speaking to Reuters, frames the debate as one of national sovereignty against the power of American technology companies. The Spanish government is now considering whether to ban X entirely after implementing restrictions on social media access for children under 16.
Two Distinct Measures
It is important to distinguish between Spain's two separate policy initiatives. First, the government is moving forward with legislation to restrict social media access for minors under 16, similar to measures adopted or considered in Australia, France, and other democracies concerned about the impact of social platforms on child development.
Second, Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego has proposed banning X entirely for users of all ages, citing concerns about misinformation and harmful content. This more sweeping measure would be unprecedented among Western democracies and raises significant questions about free expression and digital sovereignty.
The 'Tech Oligarchs' Frame
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Sánchez's "tech oligarchs" language reflects growing European frustration with American technology platforms perceived as operating beyond effective regulation. The term appears aimed at Elon Musk, who controls X and has frequently clashed with European regulators.
European officials have long argued that platforms like X, Meta's Facebook and Instagram, and others wield disproportionate influence over public discourse while avoiding the regulatory constraints that traditional media face. The European Union's Digital Services Act attempts to impose greater accountability, but enforcement remains contentious.
Sánchez's framing positions Spain as defending democratic sovereignty against corporate power. However, critics note that government control over digital platforms creates its own risks to free expression and access to information.
EU Digital Policy Context
The Spanish moves occur within a broader European regulatory environment. The EU has fined technology companies billions of euros for competition violations, data protection breaches, and other infractions. The Digital Services Act, which took effect in 2024, requires large platforms to address illegal content, misinformation, and other harms or face penalties up to 6% of global revenue.
Banning an entire platform would be more extreme than current EU policy envisions. While the Digital Services Act allows for suspension of platforms that pose systemic risks, such measures require evidence of serious violations and follow specific procedures. A unilateral national ban by Spain would test the boundaries of EU law.
France has imposed age restrictions on social media. Slovenia is preparing similar legislation. Italy has considered platform bans in schools. But no EU member state has attempted to ban a major platform entirely for adults.
Free Expression Concerns
Civil liberties organizations have expressed concern about government bans on digital platforms, noting that such measures restrict access to information and limit citizens' ability to communicate. Even platforms with problematic content moderation policies serve important functions for journalism, activism, and public debate.
The proposed X ban would affect millions of Spanish users who rely on the platform for news, political discussion, and social connection. Alternative platforms exist, but network effects mean that users cannot easily relocate their social connections and information sources.
The Path Forward
Whether Spain will actually implement a nationwide X ban remains uncertain. The proposal requires parliamentary approval and would likely face legal challenges. The European Commission might also raise concerns about compatibility with EU law and digital single market principles.
What is certain is that tensions between democratic governments and technology platforms are intensifying. Spain's assertive stance reflects broader debates about how societies should regulate digital spaces without empowering censorship. Finding that balance will define digital governance for years to come.
