⚖️🇪🇺 EU warns Spain on social media regulations amid proposed CEO accountability measures

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The European Commission has warned Spain against implementing additional social media regulations that conflict with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's proposal to ban under-16s from social media and hold CEOs criminally liable for illegal content has raised significant concerns in Brussels. The Commission emphasizes that accountability lies with platforms, not individual executives, under the DSA framework. As several EU countries consider similar measures, the need for a coordinated approach becomes increasingly apparent.

Key points

• The European Commission cautions Spain against additional social media regulations that conflict with the Digital Services Act.
• Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez proposes banning under-16s from social media and holding CEOs criminally liable for illegal content.
• The EU emphasizes that accountability lies with platforms, not individual executives, under the DSA framework.
• Seven EU countries are considering similar bans on social media access for minors, raising questions about a unified approach.

Links

• wiadomosci.wp.pl: Ministerstwo czeka na narzędzie z UE. Polityk zapowiedział zmiany
• Euronews: Brussels cautions states against overstepping with social media rules
• ANSA: Ue: "Insulti di Musk a Sanchez? Noi apprezziamo il rispetto" - Altre news - Ansa.it
• elDiario: Bruselas pone en duda la propuesta de Sánchez de responsabilizar a los CEO de las redes sociales por la difusión de contenidos ilícitos
• El Mundo: Bruselas rechaza la intención de Sánchez de hacer responsables a Musk o Zuckerberg del contenido de sus redes sociales: "La Ley de la UE va contra las plataformas"

Facts

• The European Commission cautioned Spain against additional social media regulations on 4 February 2026.
• Sánchez's proposal includes a ban on under-16s accessing social media and criminal liability for CEOs.
• Seven EU countries are considering similar bans on social media access for minors.
• The DSA aims to standardize regulations across EU member states regarding digital platforms.

Quotes

• We don't want to protect only kids in Spain; we want to protect everyone in Europe with the DSA — Thomas Regnier
• Is a CEO responsible for what is posted on a social network? It is very difficult — Thomas Regnier

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