Spain’s New Social Media Laws, Testimonies from North Korea, and US Aid to Sudan

Topics in this episode: (1) Spain is pushing a major package of new digital laws - and while the proposed ban on social media for children under 16 grabbed most of the headlines, it’s only a part of a much bigger shift. In this episode, I break down the four key proposals, why some of them matter far more than the ban itself, and why what happens in Spain is likely to shape digital policy in other countries. I go through each proposal one by one, looking at the arguments from the Spanish government and supporters of these laws, as well as the main criticisms - including those from Telegram founder Pavel Durov. This isn’t about defending tech CEOs, but about understanding the trade-offs between regulation, free speech, platform power, and government control. (2) I also cover a new Amnesty International report on North Korea based on interviews with people who escaped the country. (3) Finally, I look at the Trump administration’s $200 million humanitarian pledge to Sudan, why that number needs context, and what it tells us about the sharp reduction in US humanitarian aid overall. Global Politics with Leo brings you the most important international news stories, with clear explanations and evidence-based analysis. Short, focused episodes covering geopolitics, conflicts, power struggles, and global affairs - without the noise. You can email me at [email protected] You might know me from my educational content on social media and Substack as Leo Explains / LeoExplains10. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.