15: The New Age Barrier for Greek Children on Social Media

Greece has officially joined the ranks of nations using legislation to restrict children’s access to social media, enacting a ban that applies to users under the age of 15. The law, which received final approval from parliament this week, is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This move makes Greece one of the first countries in the European Union to impose such a restriction at the national level, marking a significant shift in how the bloc regulates digital childhoods.

The legislation targets major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. It requires these services to implement age-verification methods that are both proportionate and reliable. If a platform fails to comply with the new rules, it faces financial penalties under the EU’s Digital Services Act. The specific age threshold of 15 is central to the law, distinguishing it from other recent regulatory efforts that have focused on younger children.

The initiative was championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who first announced the measure earlier this year. He described the decision as "difficult but necessary," acknowledging the political complexity involved. The bill passed with the support of his majority government, despite opposition from minority parties. Mitsotakis stated that his government aims to encourage the European Union to follow a similar path, a goal aligned with the recently introduced EU Kids Act, which proposes a ban only for those under 13.

To enforce the ban, parents will be required to use specific state-backed applications called Kids Wallet or Gov.gr. These apps are paired with a child’s device to block access to social media unless the age requirement is met. Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s digital governance and AI minister, defended the proactive approach, noting that waiting for a perfect European law was not an option while children continue to spend more time online. He emphasized that a responsible government must act when the challenge is present.

The technology behind the verification process relies on "age tokens," a method designed to confirm a user’s age while minimizing the amount of personal data disclosed. Papastergiou stated that this approach is intended to protect user privacy. This technical framework is critical because previous attempts at age verification, such as Australia’s recent ban, have faced significant implementation challenges.

The new law follows a 2024 decision by Greece to ban mobile phones in schools, indicating a broader trend in the country regarding digital devices. Opinion polls suggest that the social media ban enjoys wide support among the adult population. As the January 2027 deadline approaches, the success of the Greek model will likely be watched closely by other European nations considering their own regulatory frameworks for children’s digital lives.