The founder of Telegram sends a message to all users in Spain regarding the measures to prohibit access to minors under 16 years of age

A couple of days ago we knew that the president of the government in Spain announced a new measure for access to social networks. A measure that prohibits access to this type of content to minors under 16 years of agecontent that includes Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok or Telegram, among others. After this news, the Russian founder of Telegram has sent a warning message to users in Spain expressing their opinion in this regard and treating this measure as a threat to freedom of expression.

The founder of Telegram sends a message to all users in Spain regarding the prohibition of access to social networks for minors under 16 years of age

In the message from the Russian Pavel Durov they are written each of the 5 measures that the government will adopt to prohibit access to networks for minors under 16 years of age. To each of the 5 points the creator of Telegram has added a text that includes the word Danger and has explained the reasons that may lead these measures to restrict freedom of expression. Among the phrases that can be read we find some such as a precedent is set to track the identity of EVERY usereither These are not safeguards; They are steps to total control.

Pavel Durov expresses his opinion on the 5 measures to be adopted by the government of Spain

The message too has reached the ears of the president of the governmentwhich has responded through the popular social network X/Twitter, with a phrase that alludes to Don Quixote. The president of the government has not been the only one who has expressed his discomfort at Pavel Durov’s words, but Moncloa too has sent a statement to defend the position of the measures to be adopted in Spain.

Pedro Sanchez and La Moncloa respond to Pavel Durov

But Pavel Durov has not been the only one who has reacted to these measures, Elon Musk too has expressed his discomfort given the government’s intentions to prohibit access to these social networks for minors under 16 years of age. In this case, Elon Musk has been a little more direct and has called tyrant and fascist to President Pedro Sánchez, of course, on his social network X/Twitter.

Telegram demonstrates to express its discomfort at these measures that they call controlling

It seems to have been unleashed a fight between social networks that presume privacy and freedom of expression, against the government’s intentions to defend minors from danger who say they live in this type of social networks. Next week the controversy between the different positions is sure to increase, although the government seems determined to carry out its plan to approve this ban.

We leave you with him full message by Pavel Durov that he has sent to his social network Telegram.

❗️ Pedro Sánchez’s government is promoting dangerous new regulations that threaten your freedoms on the internet. Announced just yesterday, these measures could turn Spain into a surveillance state under the pretext of “protection.” Here I explain why they are a red alarm signal for freedom of expression and privacy:

1. Ban on social media for those under 16 with mandatory age verification: It’s not just about children—requires platforms to use strict controls, such as requiring ID or biometrics.

⚠️ Danger: Sets a precedent for tracking the identity of EVERY user, eroding anonymity and opening doors to mass data collection. What begins with minors could spread to everyone, stifling open debate.

2. Personal and criminal liability for platform executives: If “illegal, hateful or harmful” content is not quickly removed, those responsible could go to jail.

⚠️ Danger: This will force over-censorship—the platforms will delete anything minimally controversial to avoid risks, silencing political dissidence, journalism and everyday opinions. Your voice could be next if it challenges the status quo.

3. Criminalization of algorithmic amplification: Amplifying “harmful” content through algorithms becomes a crime.

⚠️ Danger: Governments will dictate what you see, burying opposing opinions and creating state-controlled echo chambers. Free exploration of ideas? Gone—replaced by curated propaganda.

4. Monitoring the “footprint of hate and polarization”: Platforms must monitor and report how they “fuel division.”

⚠️ Danger: Vague definitions of “hate” could label criticism of the government as divisive, leading to shutdowns or fines. This can be a tool to suppress the opposition.

These are not safeguards; They are steps towards total control. We’ve seen this script before—governments weaponizing “security” to censor their critics. At Telegram, we prioritize your privacy and freedom: strong encryption, no backdoors, and resistance to excess.

✊ Stay vigilant, Spain. Demand transparency and fight for your rights. Share this widely—before it’s too late.