Pavel Durov Clashes with Spain Over Social Media Crackdown

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has publicly criticized new Spanish government proposals that target social media platforms, age verification and online content rules. The dispute places privacy, regulation and platform responsibility at the center of a widening political and technological conflict.

The proposals came from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who presented a package of measures in Dubai aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content such as violence and pornography. The initiative includes a ban on social media access for users under 16 and new legal obligations for technology companies.

Durov responded in a message addressed to Telegram users in Spain. He described the policies as a threat to privacy and freedom online.

"Pedro Sánchez’s government is pushing dangerous new regulations that threaten your internet freedoms."

"These measures could turn Spain into a surveillance state under the guise of 'protection'."

Key measures proposed by Spain

The plan includes mandatory age verification, criminal liability for executives and legal restrictions tied to algorithmic amplification. Sanchez said chief executives could face prosecution if platforms fail to remove illegal or hateful content.

The proposal also targets algorithm-driven content distribution and introduces monitoring requirements tied to "hate and polarization footprint" tracking. Platforms would need to assess how their services influence social division.

Durov warned that such rules could reshape how platforms operate and affect all users, not only minors.

"These aren't safeguards; they're steps toward total control. We've seen this playbook before - governments weaponizing "safety" to censor critics," he wrote on Telegram.

He argued that strict verification would require platforms to collect sensitive identity data and weaken anonymity. He said legal exposure for executives would encourage the removal of controversial content and suppress political debate.

Government response and political tensions

Spanish officials defended the proposals and criticized Durov’s message. Government sources described his communication as unprecedented and claimed it contained "lies and illegitimate attacks." Officials said the situation highlighted the need for stronger oversight of social media and messaging platforms.

Sanchez responded publicly on X with a message based on a quote attributed to Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote."

"Let the techno-oligarchs bark, Sancho, it's a sign that we are riding," he wrote.

At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Sanchez framed the measures as necessary for child protection and social stability.

"Social media has become a failed state. If we want to protect our children, there is only one thing we can do: Take back control."

He said the initiative aligns with cooperation among European countries through what he called a "Coalition of the Digitally Willing."

Support and criticism from tech leaders

Elon Musk also reacted to the Spanish proposal with a series of posts on X. He described Sanchez as "dirty," a "tyrant and traitor to the people of Spain" and "the true fascist totalitarian."

The exchange adds to an ongoing conflict between political leaders and major technology platforms. Sanchez has criticized digital platforms since early last year and previously proposed ending anonymity on social media and linking user data to a common European identity wallet.

Broader European context

Spain’s move follows a global trend toward stricter online rules for minors. Australia introduced a social media ban for under-16s in December. France, Greece, Denmark and the United Kingdom have discussed similar policies at national or European Union levels.

The debate reflects tension between child protection and digital rights. Age verification systems often require identity checks. Critics argue that such requirements could increase surveillance risks. Supporters view them as necessary safeguards against harmful content.

Telegram and Durov under scrutiny

Telegram’s role in the dispute carries its own history. Durov, who is based in Dubai, faced detention in Paris in August 2024 over alleged criminal activities linked to the messaging app. He denied wrongdoing in March 2025.

Telegram has positioned itself as a privacy-focused platform with encryption and resistance to data access demands. That stance has shaped its response to regulatory pressure.

The recent message reached Spanish Telegram users through an official channel that typically provides security and account guidance. The distribution underlined the platform’s ability to communicate directly with a large user base.

Policy debate enters a new phase

Spain’s proposal and Durov’s response illustrate a deepening conflict over control of online spaces. The measures target platform governance, identity verification and algorithm accountability. The reaction from technology leaders highlights resistance from companies and individuals who view such regulation as a threat to privacy and expression.

The policy process remains ongoing. The outcome could influence how European governments balance safety, and platform responsibility in the coming years.

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