Spain's government has introduced a new law aimed at safeguarding children from online dangers. The proposed legislation includes measures such as virtual restraining orders for criminals, raising the minimum age for social media account creation, and implementing health screenings for teenagers to identify emotional disorders related to online activities.
The Justice Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health, well-being, and security of children and families in the digital age. The government's goal is to address growing concerns over incidents of sexual violence and abuse facilitated by the internet, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez describing the situation as an 'authentic epidemic' of pornography targeting minors.
To combat these issues, the bill introduces specific criminal offenses for sharing pornographic content with minors and creating deepfake images using artificial intelligence. It also targets grooming behaviors by sexual predators seeking to exploit minors online.
Convicted criminals engaging in online felonies would be subject to virtual restraining orders, preventing them from contacting victims online and restricting their internet activities. Additionally, the legislation raises the minimum age for opening social media accounts from 14 to 16 and mandates age verification and parental controls on social media platforms.
Schools will play a crucial role in educating students on internet safety, with teachers receiving training on the subject. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to address digital addiction, abuse, and privacy concerns. Save The Children, a non-profit organization consulted during the bill's drafting, emphasized the importance of integrating responsible digital usage into educational curricula.
By focusing on education and awareness, Spain aims to create a safer online environment for children and mitigate the risks associated with internet usage.
