Spain Unveils Controversial Measures to Combat Fake News

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced measures to curb fake news, sparking accusations from conservatives about media censorship. The measures align with the European Media Freedom Act, aiming to protect journalists and transparency in funding and media ownership. Opposition criticizes the timing as politically motivated.

Spain announced measures on Wednesday designed to curb the spread of fake news, an initiative blasted by the country's conservative opposition as an attempt to censor critical media. "Without free media of quality, there is no democracy," Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in an address to the lower house. "Without reliable and diverse sources of information, citizens are blind."

The proposal comes at a time when debate about media freedom and the policing of harmful or misleading content has intensified with the European Parliament election and other elections in Europe, India, and the United States. In Spain, like elsewhere, newer forms of news presentation such as social platforms and messaging and video apps are becoming more influential in political discourse and can reach audiences far larger than traditional media.

Sanchez said the rules would be aimed at all media. They would bring Spain in line with the European Media Freedom Act approved in March, designed to regulate media while shielding journalists from state spying or being forced to reveal their sources.

The conservative People's Party questioned the timing of the bill, which comes two days before Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez is due to appear in court regarding a corruption investigation. The case has been dismissed by Sanchez as fake news promoted by right-wing media with opposition support. The bill is a "law of censorship," the People's Party, the largest in the lower house, said in a post on the X platform. Sanchez "now seeks to control the critical media, let's defend freedom of speech," it stated.

Sanchez assured the government would not give a "stamp of approval" to any media. He also proposed that media identify all shareholders with editorial influence, disclose amounts received in public advertising and from third countries, and provide transparent audience data.

Additionally, a 100 million euro ($109 million) subsidy was announced to help traditional media digitize. ($1 = 0.9146 euros)

(With inputs from agencies.)