BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The Spanish government has proposed a law to protect children from online threats, including virtual restraining orders for criminals, a higher age for opening social media accounts and health screenings for teens to detect related emotional disorders .
“The health, well-being and safety of our children, as well as the tranquility of our families, are at stake,” Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said on Tuesday as he presented the proposal at a post-cabinet press conference. Spain’s left-wing minority government will need support from other parties to pass it into law.
Public concern has increased following a series of cases of sexual violence and abuse linked to the Internet. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said Spain is facing an “authentic pandemic” of pornography targeting minors. About 25% of children aged 12 and under and 50% of children aged 15 and under have been exposed to online pornography.
The Spanish government has banned the use of mobile phones in primary schools and has required secondary schools to justify their use for educational purposes. According to the government, the average age at which children get their first mobile phone is 11 years.
The bill would amend the criminal code to create specific crimes for sharing pornographic material with minors and creating “deepfake” images using artificial intelligence, especially if they target victims with sexual abuse material. It also targets so-called grooming by sexual predators to try to gain the trust of minors.
Convicted criminals who use the internet to commit crimes would face virtual restraining orders banning them from contacting their victims online, and a ban on certain online activities.
The minimum age for opening a social media account in Spain will increase from 14 to 16 years. Technology companies will be required to install age verification and parental controls on social media and video sharing applications.
Teachers would be trained in instructing students on internet safety and launching awareness campaigns on the dangers of digital addiction, abuse and privacy issues.
