Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a harsh rebuke of major social media platforms during a speech at the World Governments Summit in Dubai branding them a “failed state” where laws are routinely ignored and disinformation flourishes. He announced that Spain plans to ban access to social media for minors under the age of 16 as part of a broader effort to reclaim democratic control over digital spaces.
In very direct remarks, Sánchez singled out Elon Musk, the owner of X, accusing him of amplifying false narratives about Spain’s recent decision to regularize hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants. “The owner of X, himself a migrant, used his personal account to amplify disinformation about the sovereign decision of my government to regularize 500,000 migrants who live, work, and contribute to the success of our country,” Sánchez said.
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 3, 2026
The owner of X, himself a migrant, used his personal account to amplify disinformation about the sovereign decision of my government to regularize 500,000 migrants who live, work, and contribute to the success of our country. pic.twitter.com/WHjDLwCrdb
The comments followed a public exchange on X after Musk reposted content criticizing Spain’s January 27 decision to grant legal status to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. The repost suggested the policy was designed to engineer a loyal voting bloc ahead of future elections, to which Musk added the word “wow.”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2026
Sánchez responded at the time with a post reading, “Mars can wait. Humanity can’t,” contrasting Musk’s space ambitions with what he described as urgent human and social challenges on Earth. In Dubai, Sánchez returned to the episode, framing Musk’s intervention as an example of how powerful platforms enable the spread of misleading or false information.
Mars can wait. Humanity can’t. https://t.co/Oc4qAYtd3f
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 29, 2026
Spain’s regularization measure, approved by royal decree, applies to foreign nationals without criminal records who can demonstrate at least five months of residence in the country before December 31, 2025. The policy offers an initial one-year residence and work permit, with applications scheduled to open in April and run through June. It also covers individuals who applied for international protection before the cutoff date, as well as their children. Migration Minister Elma Saiz has described the move as a historic step to recognize and dignify people already contributing to Spain’s economy. The government has emphasized the policy’s role in addressing labor shortages, supporting an aging population, and strengthening the social security system by formalizing employment in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and caregiving.
Despite highlighting Spain’s strong economic performance—projected growth of 2.8 percent in 2025, nearly double the euro area average, GDP surpassing $2 trillion, and the creation of nearly 600,000 jobs—Sánchez devoted much of his speech to digital governance. He also pointed to the launch of a new sovereign wealth fund designed to mobilize up to 120 billion euros in investments in areas including artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum computing. Yet he argued that economic success means little if democratic values erode in the digital sphere.
Sánchez said social media platforms have drifted far from their original promise to foster global understanding, freedom, and accountability. Instead, he argued, they have become environments where disinformation often outweighs truth, hate speech is widespread, algorithms distort public debate, and users’ personal data is routinely exploited. He cited recent allegations against TikTok for tolerating accounts that share AI-generated child sexual abuse material, reports that Instagram has spied on Android users, and Facebook’s past involvement in misinformation campaigns during elections. He also referenced platform tolerance for illegal sexual content generated using artificial intelligence.
While adults may choose to leave social media platforms, Sánchez said, children and many citizens do not have that option, as digital platforms have become deeply embedded in everyday life. “If we want to protect them, there is only one thing we can do: take back control,” he said. “We need to make sure that these platforms comply with the rules like everybody else.”
Social media has become a failed state.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 3, 2026
If we want to protect our children there is only one thing we can do: take back control.
Las redes sociales se han convertido en un Estado fallido.
Si queremos proteger a nuestros hijos, solo tenemos una opción: recuperar el control. pic.twitter.com/1MvCNxiLys
The proposed ban on social media for users under 16 would be supported by stricter age verification systems that go beyond self-declared checkboxes. Sánchez outlined additional measures, including holding platform executives legally accountable for failing to remove illegal or hateful content, criminalizing algorithmic manipulation that amplifies such material, and developing technological tools to monitor disinformation, hate speech, and child pornography. He said legislative action could begin as early as next week.
Spain is coordinating its efforts with five other European countries in what Sánchez described as a “Coalition of the Digitally Willing,” aimed at strengthening enforcement and aligning national approaches. The initiative aligns with broader European efforts under the Digital Services Act, though Sánchez argued that governments must go further to assert democratic oversight over technology companies whose financial and technological resources rival or exceed those of many states.
The Spanish leader acknowledged the scale of the challenge but said political determination would ultimately prevail over corporate power. He concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to placing people and democratic values at the center of progress, both in the physical economy and the rapidly expanding digital world.
