EU condemns attacks on Spanish premier amid criticism from tech figures

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Friday condemned attacks targeting Pedro Sanchez, voicing full solidarity with the Spanish prime minister amid growing criticism from prominent tech figures over Spain's planned social media regulations.

"Full solidarity to the Spanish prime minister. We, of course, condemn any attacks on the leaders of our member states," European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told a midday briefing in Brussels.

Regnier said the EU supports efforts at both European and national levels to hold digital platforms accountable, pointing to the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA) as a key instrument.

The bloc's digital rules require large online platforms to tackle illegal content, reduce risks to minors, and ensure greater transparency, while safeguarding fundamental rights

The remarks follow public criticism of Sanchez by tech industry figures after his government announced plans to tighten oversight of social media platforms.

Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov argued that Spain’s proposed measures threatened "internet freedoms" and risked turning the country into a "surveillance state."

US tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk also targeted Sanchez earlier this week, labeling the Spanish leader a "totalitarian fascist" and a "tyrant" in posts on the platform.

The Spanish government announced on Feb. 3 that it plans to ban minors under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms as part of a broader effort to strengthen online protections.

Under the proposed measures, digital platforms would be required to introduce age-verification systems.

Sanchez also said the government will introduce a bill next week that would make executives of digital platforms criminally liable for disseminating illicit content and urged prosecutors to investigate illegal material circulating online.