On January 22, 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized tech billionaires for allegedly attempting to “overthrow democracy” through social media platforms. Speaking ahead of a European Union leaders’ meeting in Brussels, Sánchez expressed concerns that these platforms, which once fostered social justice movements, are now concentrating power and wealth among a few individuals, undermining democratic values.
- Social media's role in social justice is changing.
- Elites threaten democracy, says Sánchez.
- Proposed regulations for social media accountability.
- Tech billionaires accused of undermining democracy.
- Sánchez targets Elon Musk and far-right influence.
- Call for European unity against "tech caste."
Sánchez’s remarks highlight a growing concern among politicians regarding the influence of social media on democracy. He emphasized that the power of elites poses a significant threat to democratic processes, stating, “What truly limits democracy is the power of the elites.” He called for accountability, comparing social media tycoons to small business owners who are held responsible for their products.
In his proposals, Sánchez aims to implement regulations that would require social media users to verify their identities, targeting the prevalence of bots and fake profiles. He intends to leverage the Digital Services Act to address the actions of tech billionaires whose platforms may contribute to societal harm. Key points from his proposals include:
- Imposing regulations on social media platforms.
- Requiring user identification to combat fake accounts.
- Holding tech billionaires accountable for their platforms’ societal impact.
While Sánchez did not name specific individuals, he referenced a 2009 article by Peter Thiel, indicating a broader concern about the intersection of wealth and political influence. Earlier this month, Sánchez accused Elon Musk of inciting hatred and supporting extremist ideologies. His call for unity against what he termed the “tech caste” reflects a growing sentiment among European leaders regarding the need to regulate the tech industry to protect democratic values.
In summary, Sánchez’s statements at the upcoming EU meeting will focus on regulating social media to safeguard democracy. His proposals aim to hold tech billionaires accountable and ensure that social media platforms do not undermine democratic principles.
