Greece is advancing legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social networking services, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The bill’s provisions were outlined by Akis Skertsos, Greece’s minister of state, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou. It is scheduled to reach parliamentary committees on October 13, followed by debate and a final vote on October 22. The framework is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving platforms time to prepare.
Responsibility for age verification would rest with platforms, which must use reliable, proportionate methods that safeguard privacy. Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet are expected to support implementation through digital age tokens: these confirm whether someone meets the age threshold without disclosing full identity details or unnecessary sensitive information. Alternative technical solutions would be permitted if they comply with European law. Oversight would operate under the EU’s Digital Services Act, particularly Article 28 on protecting minors. Greece’s National Telecommunications and Post Commission would serve as the main authority, alongside broadcasting and data protection regulators. Complaints or information from another authority could trigger enforcement; cases involving platforms supervised elsewhere in the EU would be referred to the relevant country.
The government links the initiative to concerns about anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and impaired concentration among children using social media. Skertsos also emphasized parents’ need for support against algorithms designed to sustain children’s engagement. Although the government argues that a firm age threshold and dependable verification would offer protection, the measure’s effectiveness would depend on platforms fulfilling their obligations.
