The Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has initiated administrative proceedings against famous internet creator Ibai Llanos. The streamer faces a potential fine ranging from 30,000 to 750,000 euros for allegedly violating obligations imposed on 'users of special significance' by the audiovisual law. The proceedings, initiated on February 19, concern non-compliance for at least a month with regulations regarding, among other things, the protection of minors and advertising. The person concerned reacted to the news with his characteristic sense of humor, jokingly referencing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The CNMC has a maximum of one year to issue a decision.

Proceedings by Regulator CNMC

The Spanish regulatory body, the National Commission for Markets and Competition, initiated proceedings against Ibai Llanos on February 19. It accuses him of a serious violation of the General Audiovisual Communication Law by failing to comply for at least a month with obligations imposed on so-called users of special significance.

Potentially High Fine

According to the law, this type of violation carries a potential monetary penalty ranging from 30,000 to 750,000 euros. The final fine amount depends on the level of revenue obtained by the violator from the regulated activity. The proceedings can last up to twelve months.

Obligations of Special Users

Article 94 of the aforementioned law imposes obligations on influential internet creators similar to those borne by traditional broadcasters. These include mandatory registration in the state register of audiovisual service providers, protection of minors, and transparent labeling of sponsored content and advertisements.

Reaction and Media Context

Ibai Llanos, with tens of millions of followers on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, reacted to the news jokingly. Media reports highlight the unusual leak of information about the initiation of proceedings, which is not typically practiced by the CNMC.

The Spanish market regulator, the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC), has taken action against one of the country's most popular internet creators. On February 19, its Council decided to initiate administrative proceedings against Ibai Llanos. The allegation concerns a serious violation of the provisions of the General Audiovisual Communication Law, reformed in 2022.

According to press reports, the authenticity of which has been confirmed by numerous editorial offices, it involves non-compliance for at least a month with obligations stipulated in Article 94 of this law. This provision covers so-called 'users of special significance,' meaning digital creators with significant social and economic reach. Their obligations include mandatory registration in the state register of audiovisual service providers, protection of minors from inappropriate content, and transparent labeling of sponsored materials and advertisements. Although the exact cause of the violation has not been officially disclosed, media speculate it may involve issues related to advertising. The person concerned, Ibai Llanos, known for his sense of humor, addressed the matter on social media, jokingly commenting: '¿Cómo le haces esto a un hermano?' ('How can you do this to a brother?'), referencing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The Spanish General Audiovisual Communication Law, modeled on EU directives, was significantly reformed in 2022. Its aim was to adapt legislation to the digital era by extending the scope of regulation beyond traditional media such as television and radio. The new regulations also covered video-on-demand platforms and, importantly, the largest internet creators, recognizing them as entities with a real impact on public opinion and the market.

The potential consequences for the streamer are serious financially. The law provides for fines for this type of violation ranging from 30,000 to 750,000 euros. The final amount is to be determined proportionally to the revenue the violator obtained from the regulated activity. The CNMC now has a maximum of twelve months to consider the case and issue a final decision. It is worth noting that the mere leak of information about the initiation of proceedings was considered unusual in the media, as the authority typically does not publicize this phase of the procedure. Reports indicate that Ibai Llanos, with a combined total of tens of millions of followers on platforms such as Twitch (19.8 million), YouTube (15.5 million), TikTok (27.2 million), X (17 million), and Instagram (15.3 million), certainly qualifies as a 'user of special significance.' The case represents a precedent-setting test of the new regulations and their application to internet stars, signaling the growing intervention of the state in the world of digital content creators.

750 000 € — Maximum potential fine amount

Timeline of Proceedings Against Ibai Llanos: February 26, approx. 13:03 — First Reports; February 19 — CNMC Council Decision; February 26, approx. 22:23 — Reaction of the Person Concerned

Mentioned People

  • Ibai Llanos — Spanish streamer and internet creator, the main subject of CNMC proceedings.
  • Pedro Sánchez — Prime Minister of Spain, the figure whom Ibai Llanos jokingly referenced.