Spain Proposes Law to Enhance Online Safety for Children, Including Virtual Restraining Orders
Spain proposes legislation to safeguard children from online dangers, such as virtual restraining orders for convicts. The regulation tries to address the growing concern about sexual violence and abuse on the internet. It involves raising the minimum age for creating social media accounts, as well as instituting age verification and parental restrictions.
Justice Minister Félix Bolaños emphasised the importance of safeguarding the well-being and security of children and families during a press conference following the proposal's presentation to the Cabinet. However, the left-wing minority government will require the support of other parties to pass the law.
The growing public awareness over internet-related sexual violence and abuse has motivated this legislative action. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the situation as a "authentic epidemic" of pornography aimed at youngsters. Surprisingly, almost 25% of youngsters aged 12 and under, and 50% of those aged 15 and under, have been exposed to online pornography.
To address these concerns, the Spanish government has already prohibited the use of cellphones in primary schools and required high schools to present reasons for their instructional use. In Spain, the average age at which youngsters obtain their first mobile is 11.
The proposed measure seeks to change the penal code by establishing specific crimes for sharing pornographic material with minors and creating "deepfake" images using artificial intelligence, particularly if they target victims with sexually abusive content. It also addresses the practice of "grooming," in which sexual predators strive to acquire the trust of kids.
Under the new law, convicted offenders who use the internet to commit felonies would face virtual restraining orders, which prohibit them from contacting their victims online and restrict their participation in specific online activities.
Furthermore, the minimum age for registering a social media account in Spain will be increased from 14 to 16. Technology businesses will be obliged to add age verification and parental controls on social media and video-sharing platforms.
To further enhance online safety, instructors will be trained in teaching pupils about internet safety, and public awareness programmes will be developed to educate the public about the hazards of digital addiction, abuse, and privacy issues.
Catalina Perazzo, a representative from Save The Children, a non-profit organisation that advised the Spanish government during the bill's formulation, stressed the importance of education in preventing internet abuse. She noted that, much as sexual education with an emphasis on emotional health is critical in preventing sexual abuse, the curriculum must also include safe and ethical usage of digital apps.
Spain proposes law to protect children from online threats, including virtual restraining orders for felons.
The law aims to address the growing concern over sexual violence and abuse linked to the internet.
It includes raising the minimum age for opening social media accounts and implementing age verification and parental controls.
Source: AP NEWS