Greece Introduces Social Media Ban for Children

Greece has introduced a draft law that proposes a ban on the use of social media platforms by children and adolescents under the age of 15. This initiative follows France's unsuccessful attempt to implement similar regulations. The Greek government views this step as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of young people in the digital space. The new law places responsibilities on both parents and social media platforms. Parents are expected to ensure that their children do not use the platforms, while providers are required to implement age verification systems.

These measures aim to ensure that children under 15 do not gain access to social networks. Greek Minister for Digital Governance, Kyriaki Koutouki, emphasized the importance of the law in light of the increasing number of online risks that children face. According to a survey conducted by the Greek Ministry of Education, 67% of parents expressed concerns about their children's online activities. These concerns have prompted the government to take action. The proposed regulations stipulate that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be required to conduct age checks.

These checks are intended to ensure that only users over the age of 15 can access the platform's content. However, the specific technical details for implementing this age verification have not yet been disclosed. Another aspect of the law pertains to educating parents. The government plans to launch information campaigns to raise awareness among parents about the risks of social media use and to help them better protect their children. These campaigns will also include tips for safe internet usage.

Reactions to the draft law are mixed. While some parents and educators welcome the initiative, critics express concerns regarding enforceability and the potential restriction of freedom of expression. Experts warn that a ban may not be the best solution to protect children from the dangers of the internet. The Greek government plans to implement the law by the end of 2026, provided it overcomes parliamentary hurdles. However, the exact timeline for the implementation of age verification systems remains unclear.

Minister Koutouki announced that the government will work closely with the platforms to effectively implement the new regulations. The discussion about protecting children online is not new. Many countries already have similar laws or initiatives aimed at increasing the online safety of minors. Greece thus joins a growing list of states attempting to address the challenges of the digital world. The Greek government has stated that it will regularly review the impact of the law to ensure it achieves the desired results. An initial evaluation is planned for 2027 to assess the effectiveness of the measures and make adjustments if necessary.