Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to criticism of his government's initiative to regulate social media from American businessman Elon Musk and Telegram founder Pavel Durov, saying the “barking of the tech oligarchs” affirms his country's progress. “Let the tech oligarchs bark, Sancho, it is a sign that we are moving forward,” he wrote on the social network X, referring to the novel “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes, in which Sancho Panza is one of the heroes. His views were supported by Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente, who said the initiative aimed to hold digital platform owners accountable. Spanish Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz also supported the government's plan, declaring the administration's intention to destroy “digital monopolies” and return control of technology to society. Spain's Prime Minister on February 4 presented a package of measures aimed at combating abuse by major digital platforms and ensuring a safe digital environment in the country. He believes that social networks have turned into a kind of separate state, where laws are not respected and crimes occur. In particular, the measures proposed by the Spanish government include a ban on social network access for citizens under 16 years old. Previously, Musk called Sanchez a tyrant, a traitor to his people, and also a “true fascist dictator.” On the contrary, Durov, commenting on the situation, said that the Spanish government is promoting dangerous demands that threaten the freedom and integrity of Internet users.
