The Greek parliament has passed landmark legislation that prohibits individuals under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. The bill, which was pushed through by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s ruling New Democracy party, is part of a broader international trend to regulate children's online activity. The law, which was finalized on Friday after two days of intense parliamentary debates, will officially come into effect on January 1, 2027.
The passage of this law highlights deep political divisions within the Greek legislature. Despite the growing global movement to restrict social media access for younger users, the New Democracy party managed to pass the measure without receiving support from any other political parties. The main opposition socialist party, PASOK, opted to abstain from the final vote. PASOK had previously proposed an alternative framework, which suggested banning social media for children under 13 while implementing mandatory parental controls for those aged 13 and 14. However, this proposal failed to gain enough traction to alter the course of the government's chosen path.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis had signaled his intention to introduce these restrictions as early as April. In an effort to reach his intended audience, he utilized TikTok—one of the most popular social networking platforms among the youth—to advocate for what he characterized as a “difficult but necessary” measure to protect the younger generation. The government has framed the initiative as a proactive stance against the potential harms associated with digital platforms, specifically focusing on the addictive nature of algorithms that critics argue keep young users glued to their screens for extended periods, ultimately damaging their mental health.
Under the new law, social media networks will be required to implement robust age verification systems to ensure that minors under the age of 15 cannot access their services. The legislation does not rely solely on compliance from these tech giants; it includes provisions for harsh penalties should companies fail to meet the state-mandated standards. The government intends to enforce these rules strictly, marking a significant increase in state oversight regarding the digital lives of its citizens.
This development situates Greece among a growing group of roughly 20 countries worldwide that have either implemented or are currently developing similar restrictions to govern children's online interactions. Other nations, including Australia, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Austria, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, are navigating similar paths to address digital safety concerns. The global consensus appears to be shifting toward more restrictive oversight as concerns regarding the long-term impacts of social media on child development and mental well-being continue to mount.
Despite the government's push, the legislation has not been without its critics. Detractors have raised significant questions regarding the practical enforcement of such a ban. Many technology experts and digital rights advocates have questioned how effectively the government can monitor and block access for millions of users, noting that digital workarounds for age restrictions are common. There remains widespread debate about whether a blanket ban is the most effective solution to address the complex issue of digital addiction or if it could lead to unintended consequences regarding the privacy and digital autonomy of young users.
As the January 2027 deadline approaches, both the government and the tech industry must prepare for the operational challenges that such a restrictive framework entails. The upcoming implementation will serve as a test case for how national policies can influence the global operations of massive social media platforms. Whether this legislation will lead to meaningful improvements in the mental health of Greek youth or simply create new challenges for digital regulation remains a subject of intense public discourse as the country moves forward with these strict mandates.
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