GREECE PASSES BILL TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA USE BY MINORS FROM 2027

Greece’s parliament has passed a bill banning minors from using online social media services from January 1, 2027. The government says the measure aims to protect children from social media addiction, sleep disruption and mental health risks. The law will involve age verification measures, including the Kid’s Wallet application, which officials say can confirm whether users are above or below 15 without revealing their exact birth dates. The move adds Greece to a growing number of countries seeking stricter rules for children’s online safety.

Greece’s parliament has passed a bill to ban minors from using online social media services, with the measure scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation is intended to protect children from the potential harmful effects of excessive social media use, including addiction, sleep disruption and difficulties with concentration.
The bill was approved by a majority vote on Thursday, with the ruling New Democracy party providing the only parliamentary bloc in support. Several opposition parties voted against the measure, while PASOK abstained.
The decision places Greece among a growing number of countries considering or introducing legal age restrictions on social media as governments face increasing pressure to address concerns about children’s online safety and wellbeing.

GOVERNMENT SAYS CHILDREN NEED STRONGER ONLINE PROTECTION

Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, defended the legislation as necessary, proportionate and consistent with European Union law.
He argued that uncontrolled internet use could contribute to addictive behaviour and harm children’s mental health. Comparing the proposed restrictions with existing age limits on alcohol and tobacco, he said governments had a responsibility to protect young people rather than wait indefinitely for a comprehensive European Union policy.
Under the new legislation, social media platforms will have until January 1, 2027, to determine whether the accounts they host and the services they provide are intended for adults or minors.
The government’s position is that setting clear legal boundaries will encourage platforms to take greater responsibility for preventing children from accessing services restricted by age.

HOW THE AGE VERIFICATION SYSTEM WILL WORK

A central part of Greece’s approach is an application known as Kid’s Wallet, which the government intends to use as part of its age verification arrangements.
Papastergiou said the application was developed in line with technical specifications and standards established by the European Union. He maintained that it would not disclose personal information about children or other users beyond confirming whether a person was above or below the age of 15.
According to the minister, the system would not reveal a child’s exact date of birth through this verification process.
Age verification is intended to help platforms distinguish between eligible and ineligible users without unnecessarily exposing sensitive personal information. However, the effectiveness of the system will depend on how it is implemented, how platforms comply with the law and whether the safeguards adequately protect users’ privacy.

GROWING INTERNATIONAL DEBATE OVER CHILDREN AND SOCIAL MEDIA

The move follows Australia’s introduction of restrictions on children’s access to social media, which prompted other countries to consider similar measures.
Across Europe, governments are debating how to address concerns about cyberbullying, harmful online content, excessive screen time and features designed to keep users scrolling for extended periods.
Supporters of age restrictions argue that children need more time for sleep, schoolwork, outdoor activities and face to face relationships. They also believe that reducing exposure to potentially harmful online environments could support healthier development.
Critics of such restrictions, however, raise questions about enforcement, privacy, children’s access to information and the possibility that young users could find ways around age checks.
The debate therefore involves balancing child protection with digital rights, practical enforcement and the role parents should play in managing children’s online activities.

GREECE’S DECISION ADDS PRESSURE FOR A EUROPEAN APPROACH

Greece is among seven European Union countries seeking stronger standards for verifying users’ ages on social media.
The different national initiatives reflect growing concern that individual countries may struggle to regulate global technology companies effectively without broader cooperation.
A coordinated European approach could establish clearer expectations for platforms operating across national borders. It could also help address differences in how countries define appropriate age limits and verify users.
However, agreement on common rules, privacy safeguards and enforcement responsibilities remains an important part of the wider debate.

WHAT THE 2027 DEADLINE MEANS FOR CHILDREN AND PLATFORMS

The legislation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving social media companies time to prepare for the new requirements. Its practical impact will depend on the final implementation arrangements, the services covered and how the age verification rules are enforced.
For parents and children, the change could bring new restrictions on access to social media services. For technology companies, it will mean adapting their systems to comply with Greece’s requirements.
The larger question is whether age restrictions will significantly reduce online harm while protecting children’s privacy and preserving access to useful digital resources. Greece’s implementation will provide another important example in the international debate over how best to make social media safer for young people.