Telegram founder Pavel Durov has published an urgent message to users in Spain, warning of a new threat to internet freedoms. According to him, Pedro Sánchez's government is preparing a legislative framework that, under the guise of «protection», could turn the country into a state of total digital surveillance.
1. Blow to Anonymity: Biometrics for Access
Durov emphasizes the first point of the new regulations: a ban on social media for those under 16 with mandatory age verification. While this sounds like child protection, in practice, it requires the implementation of strict identity checks (ID or biometrics) for all users.
The Danger: This sets a precedent for the de-anonymization of every internet user. What starts with controlling minors opens the doors to mass data collection on all citizens, destroying the possibility of free and anonymous communication.
2. Censorship by Fear: Jail for IT Executives
The second alarming signal is the introduction of criminal liability for platform executives. If «illegal» or «harmful» content is not removed instantly, top managers face actual prison sentences.
According to Durov, this will inevitably lead to hyper-censorship. To avoid risks, platforms will remove any controversial opinions, political criticism, and investigative journalism. Your voice could be silenced simply because it challenges the status quo.
3. Criminalizing Algorithms and the «Hate Footprint»
The new laws propose making the algorithmic promotion of «harmful» content a crime, as well as requiring platforms to report on how they «fuel polarization».
- State Echo Chambers: Authorities will dictate exactly what you see in your feed, replacing the free exploration of ideas with curated propaganda.
- Tool for Suppression: Vague definitions of «hate» will allow any criticism of the government to be labeled as «divisive», leading to fines and bans on the opposition.
