Parliament approves social media ban for minors from 2027
Greece’s parliament has approved legislation banning minors from using online social networking services from Jan. 1, 2027, following a plenary session late Thursday.
The ruling New Democracy (ND) party was the only parliamentary party to vote in favour of the bill in principle. PASOK voted “present”, while SYRIZA, Greek Soloution, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Niki and Course of Freedom voted against it.
The legislation aims to address concerns about excessive internet use and its potential impact on children’s mental health.
Government defends new rules
Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dimitris Papastergiou described the legislation as a necessary and proportionate measure compatible with European Union law.
He said the government had chosen to act rather than wait for a comprehensive European-level framework, arguing that children were increasingly exposed to uncontrolled internet use.
Papastergiou compared the initiative with measures restricting the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, saying those interventions had helped curb sales in their initial months.
He added that the legislation was intended to send a clear message that online habits potentially contributing to addiction and harming children’s mental health required action.
Platforms face age-verification requirements
Under the new rules, platforms will have to determine whether their accounts and services are intended for adults or minors from Jan. 1, 2027, Papastergiou said.
The minister highlighted the government’s Kids Wallet application, which he described as a tool developed in line with European technical specifications.
According to Papastergiou, the application does not disclose users’ personal data to platforms. Instead, it provides an indication of whether a user is above or below the age of 15, without revealing their date of birth.
He stressed that the system was based on European standards rather than being an exclusively Greek initiative.
Minister says child protection is the priority
Papastergiou defended the legislation as part of a broader effort to protect children from the effects of excessive online activity.
“We owe our children their childhood,” he said, arguing that the government had a responsibility to address concerns surrounding children’s digital lives.
The law is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, marking a significant change in how minors will be permitted to access online social networking services in Greece.
Source:AMNA
