Else Beekman
The Spanish government has approved a groundbreaking law aimed at tackling the growing problem of disinformation, particularly on social media platforms. The “Ley de Rectificación,” passed on Tuesday. It obliges influential social media users to correct false or misleading information, marking a significant expansion of citizens’ rights in the digital era.
The new law modernises Spain’s existing rectification rights, which date back to 1984 and previously applied only to traditional media. Under the revised framework, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) will now be required to handle rectification requests. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños highlighted the law’s significance, stating, “Social media profiles often reach more people than traditional outlets. This reform is essential to safeguard the quality of public debate.”
Who is affected?
The legislation targets social media users with over 100,000 followers on a single platform or 200,000 across multiple platforms. It also mandates that platforms establish dedicated channels to process rectification requests. These changes aim to address the significant role of digital media in spreading information—both accurate and otherwise.
A response to rising misinformation
The law follows growing public concern about the impact of false information on democratic institutions. Recent events, such as the disinformation spread during October’s devastating DANA storm in Valencia, underscore the urgency. During the storm, false claims about the death toll, malfunctioning weather systems, and even conspiracies involving cloud seeding circulated widely, fuelling distrust in official channels.
Bolaños described the law as a vital step to protect democratic values. “We live in an age where falsehoods undermine trust in public institutions and the fabric of society. This law empowers citizens to defend themselves against the chaos of misinformation,” he said.
Public support and broader goals
According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 85% of Spaniards view disinformation as a pressing national issue. The law forms part of a broader strategy by the government to restore public trust in media and democratic processes, with clear guidelines for how corrections should be issued across various platforms.
By equipping citizens with tools to challenge false narratives, Spain positions itself at the forefront of the global fight against digital disinformation.
Also read: Spanish king warns about misinformation as a risk to democracy