Greece has approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media platforms, with the measure set to take effect on 1 January 2027 amid growing concerns about the impact of online platforms on minors’ health and safety.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said social media companies have around two and a half months to develop a system for verifying users’ ages while protecting their privacy, according to Reuters.
Platforms face age verification deadline
The Greek government says the ban is intended to help parents protect children from excessive social media use, including what it describes as “endless scrolling”.
Authorities argue that excessive use can deprive children of sleep, affect their concentration and reduce the time they spend with friends.
Platforms will need to establish how they can verify users’ ages and comply with the new restrictions before the law comes into force.
Greece joins wider European push
Greece is among seven European Union countries seeking an age-verification solution with the European Commission as governments across Europe consider tighter controls on children’s access to social media.
Australia became the first country to pass legislation restricting social media use by minors last year. France also passed a similar law, but its legislation was struck down by the country’s Constitutional Council in August, Reuters reported.
The Greek measure adds to growing international efforts to address concerns about children’s online safety, although the effectiveness and implementation of age restrictions remain key challenges for governments and technology companies.
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