Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Advocates for Strict Regulations on Social Media at Davos 2025

In a significant address at the 55th World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez outlined a compelling case for stringent regulations on social media platforms. This move is part of a broader effort to protect democracies and societal cohesion from the detrimental effects of these platforms.

The Rise and Fall of Social Media's Promise

Sánchez began by acknowledging the initial promise of social media to unite people and strengthen democracies through increased pluralism and accountability. However, he emphasized that these platforms have now become tools that concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, at the expense of social cohesion, mental health, and democratic systems.

Three Key Proposals

The Prime Minister presented three key measures aimed at addressing the issues posed by social media:

Ending Anonymity

Sánchez called for an end to anonymity on social media, proposing that all user accounts be linked to a European digital identity wallet. This measure would allow users to maintain pseudonyms if desired, but ensure that public authorities can identify individuals in cases of criminal activity. He drew parallels to real-life scenarios where anonymity is not tolerated, such as driving a car or sending packages, to underscore the necessity of accountability online[2][3][4].

Transparency in Algorithms

The second proposal involves "opening the black box of algorithms" to ensure they comply with EU legal and moral standards. Sánchez advocated for the full implementation of the EU's Digital Services Act and the strengthening of the European Algorithmic Transparency Centre to inspect social networks without limitations[2][3][4].

Personal Accountability for CEOs

Sánchez's third measure is to hold social media CEOs personally accountable for non-compliance with laws and regulations on their platforms. This would align with practices in other sectors where executives are held responsible for their companies' actions[2][3][4].

Impact on Democracies and Society

The Prime Minister highlighted how social media has transformed public debate, replacing rigor with immediacy and complexity with brevity. This has led to a polarized society, where misinformation and fake news are rampant, often fueled by foreign powers and anti-system political forces. Sánchez also pointed out that nearly a third of social media profiles are bots, and half of internet traffic is driven by these automated accounts, further skewing public discourse[2][4].

Economic and Social Context

Despite the focus on social media, Sánchez also touched on Spain's economic performance, noting that the country has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the West, with significant reductions in inequality and greenhouse emissions. He emphasized that Spain's model of sustainable, equitable, and inclusive growth serves as a proof that social democracy can work effectively[4].

Bilateral Meetings and Global Engagement

In addition to his keynote speech, Sánchez engaged in various bilateral meetings with global leaders, including the Director-General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. These meetings underscored Spain's commitment to international law, respect for treaties, and support for Ukraine's EU accession process[2].

As the world grapples with the complexities of social media's impact on society, Sánchez's proposals mark a significant step towards regulating these powerful platforms and ensuring they serve the greater good rather than undermining democratic values. For expats in Spain, these developments highlight the country's proactive stance in addressing global challenges and its commitment to protecting democratic principles.