Musk calls Spanish PM a ‘tyrant’ after Spain announces sweeping social media crackdown

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Greg WehnerFebruary 4, 2026 at 12:48 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to hold social media executives criminally liable for harmful content and curb platform algorithms at the World Government Summit in Dubai. The proposed measures, set to begin implementation next week, aim to combat disinformation, hate speech, and criminal activity online. X owner Elon Musk responded with criticism, calling Sánchez a "tyrant" after Sánchez appeared to criticize Musk directly for amplifying misinformation about Spain's immigration policy. The plan includes amending laws to hold executives liable, criminalizing algorithmic manipulation of illegal content, creating a system to track hate speech, and banning social media access for children under 16. Sánchez argues that social media platforms have become a "failed state" requiring government intervention.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 30% Dubai 40% World Government Summit 40% X ×480% Elon Musk ×390% Spain ×590% Pedro Sánchez ×795%

Keywords

social media crackdown 90% pedro sánchez 80% criminal liability 80% elon musk 80% hate speech 70% disinformation 70% platform algorithms 70% algorithmic manipulation 60% hate and polarization footprint 60% social media ban 50%