Despite big tech opposition, Spanish lawmakers move ahead with new regulations
Spanish lawmakers are going ahead with new legislation to curb social media and AI platforms powers, despite intense lobbying from tech firms.
Digital transformation minister Oscar Lopez told Reuters that new safety legislation faces fierce opposition from the “powerful voices” of tech companies, commenting, “the profit of four tech companies cannot come at the expense of the rights of millions.”
Lopez argued in favour of a common European approach to enforcement, warning supporters of a laissez-faire would eventually regret defending “the law of the jungle.”
Spain and Greece are among the countries that are in the process of introducing social media bans for under-16s, with Spain also looking to introduce legal liability for platform executives.
The UK is currently considering restrictions on social media platforms, although a flat-out ban was rejected by MPs in parliament, with lawmakers instead choosing to hold a consultation on possible restrictions going forward.
Tighter restrictions come as tech platforms are under scrutiny, as Jury has found that YouTube and Meta platforms are designed to be addictive, with Meta negligent in the operation of a product which harmed children and teenagers, failing to warn them of the dangers of use.
The EU’s pushback against big tech has been linked to concerns over AI-generated content, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on children and young people.
Lopez also said that authorities should have the ability to identify users who don’t use their real names online if they commit crimes, arguing that anonymity shouldn’t allow them to be protected from liability.
“What isn’t legal in the real world cannot be legal in the virtual world. Full stop,” he added.
