Digital Dissent: Tech Titans Challenge Spain's Social Media Crackdown

Telegram founder Pavel Durov joins Elon Musk in criticizing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's proposal to regulate social media, which includes banning under-16s and prosecuting executives for hate speech. Durov warns these steps could lead to government control over online content and privacy concerns.

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has joined Elon Musk in opposing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's proposed social media regulations. The regulations include banning under-16s from accessing platforms and prosecuting executives for hate speech.

In a message to Telegram users, Durov criticized the measures as potential government overreach. He argued that Sanchez's plan would compel social media platforms to gather user data indiscriminately and might incentivize content censorship to avoid legal ramifications. Durov expressed fears of government control over digital content in the name of safety.

The Spanish government defended its plans, emphasizing the need to regulate social media to protect against propaganda. Sanchez advocates for a coalition of European countries aimed at cleaning up social media, aligning with his broader anti-disinformation drive prompted by personal political controversies.

(With inputs from agencies.)