Draft Organic Law for the protection of minors in digital environments
It seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to guarantee the rights of children and adolescents in digital environments. It proposes obligations for manufacturers, regulations on digital platforms, responsible digital education, protection against online violence and pornography, limits on the use of mobile devices in schools, and raises the age of digital consent to 16.
Bill in progress (as of April 2025).
Age-appropriate digital design. Minimum age for use of digital platforms. School use of cell phones and technology. Artificial intelligence and algorithms. Personal data and privacy. Prevention of digital addictions. Cybersecurity and inappropriate content.
Recognition of specific digital rights for minors (Art. 2).
Regulation of the design and default security features of connected devices (Art. 4).Prohibition of minors' access to loot boxes or similar mechanisms (Art. 5).
Regulations on mobile phone use in schools, promoting their general restriction except for educational purposes (Art. 7). Promotion of digital competence and media literacy (Art. 6). Creation of a National Strategy on Digital Child Protection (Art. 15). Amendments to the Criminal Code regarding digital crimes (deepfakes, grooming, access to pornography).
Raising the minimum age for digital consent from 14 to 16 (Final Provision Six).
Strengthening parental control and age verification systems for platforms (amended Article 89).
Possibility of judicial blocking of dangerous digital content (Final Provisions II and IV).The authority responsible for its implementation and supervision would be a regulatory body or an existing agency, which could include the Spanish Data Protection Agency and the Ministry of Justice.
The active participation of children in the development of digital public policies is recognized.
Device designs must incorporate parental controls enabled by default.
A legal framework is created to punish sexual deepfakes without consent.
The National Commission on Markets and Competition may order the cessation of digital services without adequate age verification.
Spain
Spain is actively involved in the European coordination of the BIK+ (Better Internet for Kids Plus) program and in the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates platforms and services throughout the European Union. At the national level, the country has also promoted legislative advances and its own programs regarding digital security, literacy, and data protection for children and adolescents. Here's a look at its progress.