Spain Pushes Youth SNS Ban...Musk Blasts Prime Minister as a "Traitor"

Spain also moves to ban SNS use for those under 16

As Spain moves to ban the use of social networking services (SNS) by minors under the age of 16, Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has strongly opposed the plan.

Musk lashes out at Spanish prime minister

On the 3rd (local time), Musk took to his X account and, referring to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, launched a blistering attack, saying, "Dirty Sanchez is a tyrant and a traitor to the people of Spain." He then posted again on X, reiterating his criticism by calling Sanchez "a true fascist totalitarian."

Prime Minister Sanchez had earlier announced that he would push ahead with a series of measures, including banning SNS use by youths under the age of 16. He argued that young people must be protected from a "digital lawless zone" and stressed that tech companies should bear greater responsibility for the spread of hate and harmful content.

Sanchez also pointed out that Musk has been spreading misinformation on X about the Spanish government's recent decision to legalize undocumented workers and asylum seekers, adding that Musk himself is an immigrant.

Countries around the world push bills to ban SNS use by minors

Musk Elon, Tesla Chief Executive Officer (CEO). AFP Yonhap News

Amid growing controversy over SNS regulation, efforts to restrict minors' use of SNS are spreading to other countries as well.

Australia banned SNS use by youths under the age of 16 in December last year, and Greece is reportedly pushing measures to restrict SNS access for those under 15. A bill to ban SNS use by those under 15 is pending in the French parliament, and similar policies are being pursued in the United Kingdom, according to local media reports.

Meanwhile, in Spain, a public opinion poll conducted in August last year showed that 82% of respondents believed it was necessary to restrict SNS access for youths under the age of 14. This is an increase from 73% in 2024.