Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments
Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments in Spain: pending, effective TBD (parliamentary approval expected autumn 2026). Applies to Social media platforms, device manufacturers, and online services accessible to Spanish minors. Age range: Under 16. Raises minimum age for soci
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Spain |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | pending |
| Effective date | TBD (parliamentary approval expected autumn 2026) |
| Age range | Under 16 |
| Applies to | Social media platforms, device manufacturers, and online services accessible to Spanish minors |
Key requirements
- Raises minimum age for social media registration without parental consent from 14 to 16
- Raises age of consent for personal data processing to 16
- Mandatory parental controls on devices
- Bans loot boxes for minors
- Reinforced age verification and limits on addictive design
- Criminalizes sexual deepfakes; increased penalties for digital crimes against minors
Notes
Approved by the Council of Ministers March 2025 and in Congress under urgency procedure since May 2025. Minister Sira Rego said in June 2026 the law should be approved in autumn 2026 with broad consensus.
Frequently asked
What does Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments require?
Raises minimum age for social media registration without parental consent from 14 to 16 Raises age of consent for personal data processing to 16 Mandatory parental controls on devices Bans loot boxes for minors Reinforced age verification and limits on addictive design Criminalizes sexual deepfakes; increased penalties for digital crimes against minors
Who must comply with Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments in Spain?
Social media platforms, device manufacturers, and online services accessible to Spanish minors
When does Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments take effect and what is its status?
Effective TBD (parliamentary approval expected autumn 2026). Current status: pending. Approved by the Council of Ministers March 2025 and in Congress under urgency procedure since May 2025. Minister Sira Rego said in June 2026 the law should be approved in autumn 2026 with broad consensus.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative | European Union | International | pending | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) | France | International | blocked | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: EU AI Act policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: EU AI Act Compliance Policy (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: Pillar 06 Companion — The 2026 AI Risk Register (ciso.diy)