Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has presented a comprehensive proposal for enhancing social media regulations within the European Union. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sánchez outlined the plan on January 24, emphasizing its focus on improving online safety and safeguarding democratic processes. The proposal includes three main measures: mandatory real-identity registration for social media users, increased transparency for algorithms, and personal accountability for social media executives. Sánchez expressed concerns about the rise of misinformation, cyber harassment, and the unchecked influence of technological billionaires in political and societal matters. He argued that social media platforms have become as crucial as natural resources and should be regulated to prevent exploitation and harm.

The first measure calls for the implementation of a “European digital identity wallet,” ensuring that pseudonyms are linked to verified identities while maintaining user nicknames for non-criminal use. Critics from digital rights groups have raised concerns about the potential erosion of freedom of expression. The second component involves enforcing the EU’s Digital Services Act, allowing enhanced scrutiny of platform algorithms through the European Centre for Algorithm Transparency. This initiative aims to prevent algorithmic manipulation while addressing intellectual property concerns from tech companies. The final measure proposes holding social media executives accountable for , following examples such as the United Kingdom’s online safety laws. Sánchez emphasized the urgency of these steps, citing the societal risks posed by unregulated platforms. Global reactions have been mixed, with some leaders supporting the measures and others viewing them as restrictive.