Spain's digital transformation minister Óscar López has reaffirmed the country's commitment to pushing ahead with social media and AI regulations despite intense lobbying from US tech companies. The legislative package includes a ban on social media for under-16s, criminalisation of algorithm manipulation to amplify illegal content, executive liability for content removal failures, and restrictions on AI deepfakes. Spain is positioning itself as one of the EU's most aggressive enforcers, joining Australia, France, and Denmark in age-gating social platforms. US tech companies spent roughly $20 million on federal lobbying in Q1 2026, with pressure reportedly reaching Madrid as well. The under-16 social media amendment faces its next parliamentary vote in the coming weeks.
