News|Elon MuskMusk labels Spain PM ‘tyrant’ after Madrid proposes social media curbsMusk’s scathing attack on PM Pedro Sanchez comes after he announces strict new regulations for social media platforms.

The Spanish government has announced new social media regulations aimed at protecting minors. These measures include banning social media access for children under 16 and establishing a legal framework to hold technology executives criminally accountable for illegal content. The government plans to collaborate with the public prosecutor to investigate potential legal violations by platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and the AI chatbot Grok.

This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to regulate social media use among minors. Several European Union countries, including France, Greece, and Denmark, have proposed or enacted similar restrictions for users under 15, citing concerns about mental health and the addictive nature of social media algorithms.

Spain is leading a coalition of six European countries to enhance cross-border enforcement against major technology platforms. This coalition aims to implement stricter regulations and protect minors in the digital space.

In a related development, Australia was the first country to prohibit social media use by children under 16, prompting other nations to consider similar measures due to increasing concerns about social media's impact on children's health and safety.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.