Spanish President Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday announced publication of the Carta Derechos Digitales, or Digital Rights Charter. Rather than presenting the Charter as regulation or new legislation, Sánchez stated that the Charter is meant to be a framework of reference for all Spanish authorities and to inform future action. Thus, the announcement does not present a new regulatory burden to businesses and individuals operating in Spain, but offers insight into the state of Internet regulation going forward.

The Charter outlines six fundamental rights online: (1) the right of freedom; (2) the right of equality; (3) the right of participation and shaping the public space; (4) the right of the working and business environment; (5) digital rights in specific environments; and (6) rights of guarantees and efficiencies.

The Charter prescribes certain practices that digital rights advocates have discussed in recent years. Such rights include anonymity through the option to use a pseudonym online, and the use of AI and algorithmic safeguards to ensure that individuals are not limited by purely unaccountable digital processes (like the use of algorithms in bank loan applications). Moreover, the Charter directs special care towards the rights of children, ensuring that those under the age of 14 do not have their personal information published online without the consent of their parent or guardian.