Bill would protect minors online with controls, training and fines

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would require makers of cell phones, tablets, game consoles and other internet-connected devices to include a free parental control feature, activated by default when the device is first set up, and to warn on packaging and in manuals about the risks of harmful content for minors. Failing to comply would be a serious offense, with fines of up to two million euros.
2. Minors would be banned from accessing or activating random reward mechanisms (loot boxes in video games), understood as those whose outcome is random and yields virtual items exchangeable for money. Regulations could allow exceptions.
3. Schools would have to regulate the use of cell phones and digital devices in classrooms, extracurricular activities and supervised breaks, according to rules set by education authorities. Digital training for students and teachers would also be promoted.
4. Victims of gender violence or sexual violence committed through digital environments would have the status of victims under those laws, with access to information, psychosocial support and legal advice services 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
5. The Criminal Code would be reformed to allow penalties banning access to social networks and virtual spaces related to the crime, to punish the distribution of AI-generated fake images or voices of a sexual or degrading nature, and to increase penalties when fake identities are used against minors.
6. The minimum age for a minor to consent on their own to the processing of their personal data would rise to 16; until then, those with parental authority or guardianship would decide. Consents already given by minors under 16 would remain valid unless revoked.
7. Video platforms and audiovisual services, including those based outside the European Union that target Spain, would have to use age verification systems to keep minors away from the most harmful content, such as pornography or gratuitous violence, and offer parental controls. The CNMC could fine them and even suspend the service for up to one year.
8. Companies selling goods or services for adults only, because of their sexual or violent content or their health risks, would have to verify the customer's age before the sale; failing to do so would be a minor offense under consumer protection law.

Who it affects

• Families and minors: They would get more protection from harmful content, built-in parental controls and 24-hour support services.
• Makers of cell phones, tablets, consoles and similar devices: They would have to include parental controls activated by default and risk warnings, with fines of up to two million euros.
• Schools and teachers: They would have to regulate cell phone use at school and strengthen digital training.
• Digital companies, audiovisual platforms and internet providers: They would have to verify age, apply parental controls and keep harmful content away from minors, with penalties if they fail.
• Victims of digital violence: They would be recognized as victims and get access to 24-hour support services.

Words worth knowing

Control parental (parental control)

A device or service feature that lets adults limit or monitor what content and apps minors can access.

Mecanismos aleatorios de recompensa (loot boxes)

Video game features that, when paid to activate, give a random virtual prize, which can be exchanged for money or other virtual items.

Ultrafalsificación (deepfake)

An image or voice manipulated with technology, such as artificial intelligence, so it looks real when it is not.

Ley orgánica (organic law)

A type of Spanish law reserved for major matters, such as fundamental rights, which requires a special majority in Congress to pass.

CNMC

Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia, the public body that oversees and penalizes telecommunications and audiovisual companies.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries