Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has initiated a call for a European alliance to confront the significant challenges posed by major social media platforms, which he has characterized as a 'failed state.' This initiative comes in light of increasing concern over the impact of these networks on minors, with the Spanish government accumulating serious data to support these claims. Sánchez has expressed hope that legal measures akin to those in France will be adopted to address these concerns.

The confrontation has intensified between Sánchez and influential tech figures such as Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), and Pável Dúrov of Telegram, whom Sánchez has termed the 'lords of the algorithm.' The absence of representatives from other tech giants like Meta and Google in the public dispute illustrates the widening rift between the Spanish government and large technology companies, which Sánchez has openly criticized in recent months. The situation underscores the complexities and risks involved as Sánchez acknowledges the potential backlash from these platforms against his government.

Despite the risks, Sánchez is optimistic, noting a growing European consensus regarding the urgent need to address the challenges posed by social media. He believes that more leaders across Europe are beginning to recognize the severity of the issue and the necessity for collaborative action. As such, this initiative not only aims to enhance the safety of children in the digital space but also seeks to reshape the dynamics of power between national governments and powerful technology companies.