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Durov warned that the proposed rules could turn Spain into a “surveillance state” due to mandatory age verification, and that holding platform executives liable would encourage over-censorship, stifling legitimate opinions and journalism.
The Spanish government hit back, accusing Durov of “spreading misinformation” and undermining trust in democratic institutions. Officials stressed that the unprecedented intervention highlights the need to regulate social media and messaging apps.
The episode reflects rising tensions across Europe between governments and tech giants, as several countries consider stricter measures to protect minors and control harmful online content.
