Elon Musk and Pavel Durov criticize "digital tyranny": Spain's social media ban for under 16 sparks global privacy controversy

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced at the Dubai World Government Summit that an online age verification system will be implemented nationwide, and social media use will be banned for individuals under 16. This policy quickly sparked a huge controversy in the global tech community. X founder Elon Musk and Telegram founder Pavel Durov issued statements in succession, strongly criticizing the proposal, arguing that it threatens internet freedom and user privacy.

Sanchez stated that social media has become an “out-of-control machine,” and the government must regain control of these platforms to protect minors. The new legislation not only requires platforms to conduct age verification but also allows for prosecution of platform executives over hate speech. Durov immediately issued a statement to Spanish users warning that the policy could force platforms to collect all user data and implement comprehensive surveillance under the guise of “security.” He pointed out that once algorithms and content recommendations are criminalized, the government will be able to indirectly control the information the public sees.

The Spanish government countered, accusing Durov of abusing his control over the platform to “spread misinformation” to users, and emphasized that regulating instant messaging and social media platforms is imperative. Officials also stated that citizens should not live in an environment where information is manipulated by foreign tech oligarchs.

Musk called Sanchez a “tyrant” on social media, believing that the policy deviates from the core principles of free speech. Meanwhile, several privacy and tech experts pointed out that current age verification technologies are immature and may encourage users to bypass restrictions using VPNs and other methods. Boris Bohrer-Bilowitzky, CEO of blockchain company Concordium, suggested that encryption technology could be used to verify identities without exposing real identities.

In fact, Spain is not an isolated case. The UK, France, and Greece are all discussing similar regulations, and Australia has already banned social media use for individuals under 16 last year. As countries strengthen regulation, the personal responsibility of platform executives is also being highlighted. This controversy underscores the increasingly tense balance between digital freedom, privacy protection, and minors’ safety.