Spain pushes ahead with social media, AI rules despite Big Tech lobbying pressure

Spain will press ahead with new social media and AI safety rules despite heavy lobbying from big tech, Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López told Reuters. Proposed measures include curbs on high‑risk AI, forced disclosure of social media algorithms, potential bans on teen social media use (a bill filed in February) and personal liability for executives over hate speech. The move aligns with broader EU efforts to rein in addictive and harmful platform design and could raise compliance costs and legal risks for major technology firms operating across the bloc of more than 400 million citizens. Madrid seeks a common European approach to enforcement and says anonymity should not shield online criminality.