Spain has announced plans to ban children under the age of sixteen from using social media, in a move that would make it the first European country to introduce such restrictions. The measures are due to begin next week and form part of a broader crackdown on major technology companies.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said social media platforms had failed to protect users, particularly children, from harm. He said companies would be required to introduce effective age-verification systems, warning that simple tick-box checks would no longer be acceptable.

The proposed ban mirrors legislation introduced in Australia, where platforms face heavy fines if they fail to stop under-age users accessing their services. Spain has not yet confirmed which companies will be affected, but the government has criticised firms including TikTok, X and Instagram over issues ranging from harmful content to data misuse.

The social media ban is one of five new measures, which also include tougher legal accountability for company executives and new criminal offences aimed at algorithmic manipulation and the spread of illegal content. The Spanish government says several other European countries are now considering similar action.