INTERNET FEUD: EUROPEAN GOVERNMENTS VS TECH BILLIONAIRES.
- Kevin Kwasi Gyan
- 11 feb
- 3 min de lectura
Article about society written by Kevin Kwasi Gyan
From the past few months, social media regulation has converted into centre policy of many European states. Led by Spain, France and the United Kingdom (UK), and backed by several European Union officials, a huge movement to ban social media access for anyone under the
ages of 15 – 16 depending on where you live. Unlike several other policies undertaken by the governments, many which have stored up several controversies both at national and international levels, this one in particular has sparked a digital war between billionaires who are owners of the platforms and Prime Ministers, and accusations of “tyranny.”
So, what is actually happening?
In early February, Spanish Prime minister, Pedro Sanchéz announced at the World Government Summit held in Dubai (UAE), a plan to restrict access to social media for anyone under the age of 16. The goal? To hauls what he calls the “digital Wild West” and protect mental health. Sanchéz isn’t alone. France already greenlit similar actions for under 15s which would begin in September. The UK closely watching, considering it’s own strict Australian style ban as well as concerns over screen time of kids under the age of 5. Other European nations such as Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Greece and many more are in process of introducing similar measures. The European Union on the other hand is backing these moves pushing for effective verification, this means compliance to the Digital Service Act (DSA) acknowledging that several EMPs have pushed of establishing age limits by which digital regulation is of national competence of the member states.
Therefore, why the feud with tech billionaires?
These giants have openly criticised the measures. Elon Musk, owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, went on the offensive, publicly calling Spanish PM, Sanchéz a “tyrant”, “dirty” and a “fascist totalitarian” for the proposed measure of restricting social media access. Musk argues that these measures, destroy freedom of speech and above all give states huge control over what is seen. On the other hand, Telegram founder, Pavel Durov entered with an even fiercer critique concerning the proposal of holding the service executives personally liable for harmful content. Durov slammed the move as a step towards “surveillance state”. He further warned that age verification goes against online anonymity.
One might be thinking, “Didn’t Australia do this?” Yes, in December of 2025, Australia converted into the first country to impose a social media ban for under-16s. The reaction was
much quieter. Why?
In Australia, the ban was a populist move with unanimous agreement of all Australian politicians, sold as a safety fix.
On the other hand, the world viewed Australia as a test lab. Although the tech companies complained, they didn’t launch the same personal, venomous attacks against Australian leaders that they are against Europeans.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the EU market is massive and a ban in Europe would
hurt profits of the tech giants more than the ban in Australia. Plus, Europe has a track record of strict regulations making this feel like the final nail in the coffin in the battle on tech regulation.
What would this mean?
If these laws pass fully, the internet in Europe will change forever. A digital ID might be needed just do ordinary actions free today such as scrolling through TikTok or reels, For governments, this is due to protection but in contrast, for the tech giants, governments are stealing freedom. But one thing is certain: the era of the unrestricted internet is ending.
Word Count: 583
Bibliography:
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Jones, S., & Henley, J. (2026, February 5). Spain hits back at Pavel Durov over mass Telegram
post on social media ban plan. The Guardian.
Spain’s Sanchez: We won’t be swayed by tech oligarchs on social media ban. Reuters.
Katanasho, G. (2025, December 9). The global fault lines emerging over Australia's social media ban. SBS News. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australias-teen-social-media-ban-what-does-the-world-think/j7xz6vbnt
De La Feld, S. (2026, February 3). Six EU countries "digitally willing" to take action against social networks. Spain will also. Eunews. https://www.eunews.it/en/2026/02/03/six-eu-countries-already-digitally-willing-to-take-action-against-social-networks-spain-will-also-propose-ban-for-children-under-16/
Khalil, H. (2026, January 19). More than 60 Labour MPs urge Starmer to ban social media for under-16s. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dk0g5yk06o
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