Spain's Leftwing Government Introduces Bill to Combat Disinformation on Social Media

 

Spain’s leftwing government has unveiled a new bill aimed at tackling disinformation on digital platforms, requiring social media influencers and platforms to publicly correct false or misleading posts. The bill seeks to extend accountability for content creators and platforms, building on concerns about the rise of fake news and the lack of regulation in the digital age.

The proposed law targets internet users with significant followings—those with over 100,000 followers on a single platform or 200,000 across multiple platforms. Under the new legislation, both influencers and the platforms hosting their content will be required to provide a mechanism for citizens to request corrections of harmful misinformation. These requests will not need to be directed to the outlet’s director, a measure aimed at addressing the difficulty of verifying identities for many "pseudo media" entities.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños emphasized the bill’s role in combating falsehoods, stating, "We’re making life more difficult for those who dedicate themselves to lies and spreading fake news every day, and, therefore, it is good news for democracy." The bill’s introduction comes as part of Spain’s broader effort to tackle political disinformation, particularly the spread of content targeting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his family.

Consumer rights association FACUA has supported the bill, praising it as a means for citizens to defend their reputations against harmful and inaccurate information. The government has frequently criticized online platforms for disseminating politically charged content, which it argues undermines democracy and public trust.

The bill is part of the Spanish government’s ongoing initiative for "democratic renewal," following a series of high-profile controversies, including an investigation into Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, on corruption allegations. The complaint against her, which triggered legal scrutiny, was based on unverified media reports, some of which were tied to far-right groups.

The new law is still in the consultation phase and will undergo further review before being presented to parliament for approval. If passed, it could set a significant precedent for regulating digital content and fighting online disinformation in Spain.