13 oC 
Güneşli
Spain will move to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms and require companies to implement strict age-verification systems, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday during the World Government Summit in Dubai.
“Social media has become a failed state, where laws are ignored and crimes are tolerated,” Sánchez said, describing the online environment as increasingly dangerous for young users. “We will protect them from the digital Wild West,” he added.
As part of the initiative, Sánchez said the Spanish government will introduce a new bill next week aimed at holding social media executives legally accountable for illegal and hateful content published on their platforms. The proposed legislation would strengthen oversight and increase penalties for companies that fail to comply with content moderation and child protection standards.
The move follows Australia’s world-first decision in December to ban social media access for children under 16, a step that has intensified global debate over digital safety, mental health and the responsibility of technology companies. Several European countries, including the United Kingdom and France, are also considering similar measures, signaling a growing international push to regulate social media more strictly.
Spain’s proposal is expected to spark discussion within the European Union, where lawmakers have already advanced digital regulations such as the Digital Services Act, but where age-based access restrictions remain a sensitive and evolving issue.
Analysts note that economic pressures across Europe and neighboring regions are influencing policy priorities, including increased attention to social welfare, consumer protection and regulation of powerful digital platforms.
Spain’s proposed social media ban is expected to face scrutiny from technology firms and civil liberties groups, but the government has signaled it is determined to move forward, framing the measure as essential to protecting children in an increasingly unregulated online environment. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Türkiye-based Orphans Foundation (Yetimler Vakfı) is building an orphanage complex in Bangladesh to provide children without parental care with a safe living environment and better access to education, the organisation said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy while accusing Washington of undermining negotiations through military attacks, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that Iran would not abandon the negotiating table.
The Israel regime has accelerated military fortification activities in Syria’s Quneitra countryside, including the construction of trenches, earth barriers and military positions, raising concerns over attempts to create a new security line inside Syrian territory.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in parts of the United States as Hurricane Isaias strengthens while moving toward the country’s Gulf Coast.
