Why Elon Musk has called Spanish PM a 'tyrant'
What's the story
Elon Musk has slammed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for proposing a ban on social media for minors under 16. The proposed legislation is aimed at protecting children from what Sanchez termed the "digital wild west" and holding tech companies accountable for harmful content. In response, Musk took to X to call Sanchez a "tyrant" and "traitor to the people of Spain."
Disinformation dispute
Musk's response to Sanchez's accusation
Musk's criticism came after Sanchez accused X of "amplifying disinformation" about his government's decision to regularize 500,000 undocumented workers and asylum seekers. The Spanish PM also pointed out that Musk himself is a migrant. In his posts on X, Musk said, "Dirty Sanchez is a tyrant and traitor to the people of Spain," and later added, "Sanchez is the true fascist totalitarian."
Proposed legislation
Spain joins other European countries in considering social media ban
Sanchez's government is proposing a series of measures, including banning social media for under-16s. The plan also includes making tech CEOs criminally liable for not removing illegal or hateful content. This move follows Australia's decision in December to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. Spain joins UK and France in considering tougher stances on these platforms, with Greece also close to announcing a similar ban for children under 15.
Public opinion
Public opinion on social media ban
An Ipsos poll in August last year found that 82% of Spaniards supported banning kids under 14 from social media. This was a rise from 73% in 2024. However, there is no consensus on whether social media harms adolescents. Jose Cesar Perales, a professor at the University of Granada, said "there is no evidence" that social media harms adolescents.
Online safety
Commitment to protect children from online dangers
Sanchez reiterated his commitment to protect children from online dangers at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. He said, "Our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone... We will no longer accept that." The proposed ban is part of a bill on digital protection for minors being debated in Spain's parliament.