At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed concern about the impact of social media algorithms, suggesting that their owners should be held accountable for the societal consequences. He proposed measures such as ending anonymity on social media and increasing transparency in algorithms.
Sanchez emphasized, "The owner of a small restaurant is responsible if their food poisons customers; social media tycoons should be held responsible if their algorithms poison our society." He urged for reclamation of control over social media, echoing a familiar campaign slogan.
While acknowledging the benefits of social media in connecting people, Sanchez highlighted the hidden negative effects within algorithms, comparing them to "invaders concealed in the belly of the Trojan horse."
The Prime Minister criticized the leniency of fines imposed on social media companies in the EU so far and called for stricter penalties, without specifying a particular company. In his recent rhetoric, he has been critical of social media leaders, branding them as a "techno-caste" and raising concerns about their impact on democracy echoing sentiments expressed by former President Joe Biden.
Additionally, Spanish Labour Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz revealed her departure from Elon Musk's social media platform X, influenced in part by Musk's actions during events related to Trump's inauguration. Musk's recent controversial remarks about various European leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have fueled further criticism in Europe.