Greece bans social media for under 15s

Ban for under 15s Greece restricts social media use As of: October 23, 2026 • 5:44 p.m

Greece also wants to protect children and young people from the dangers of social media. Parliament has decided to ban children under 15. In the future, platforms should check the age of their users.

Greece restricts the use of social media for children and young people. Parliament has passed a social media ban for under-15s. The regulation will apply from January 1, 2027, as Greek media reported.

Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, defended the move as a necessary, effective and proportionate measure. "It would be very easy today to do nothing at all and wait for the perfect European law," he said. But it is necessary to send a message now. The minister emphasized that uncontrolled internet use, which makes children addicted and can harm their mental health, must not continue.

Age limits on social media do not adequately protect children and young people - say experts. more

In the future, platforms will have to check the age of their users. The “Kids Wallet” app, among other things, is intended to help verify age. It was developed by the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance.

The government app for smartphones is intended to help parents protect their children online. To do this, you link the app with your child’s data. During an age check, it can then be confirmed digitally whether the age limit has been reached without the platform receiving all of the child's personal data. The app also allows parents to manage active or blocked apps, set usage times, and track screen time statistics.

After three age groups, the use of social media by minors should be allowed in the future. more

In July, France was the first EU country to introduce a ban on social networks for children and young people under the age of 15. However, the Constitutional Council overturned the law in August on the grounds that it disproportionately interfered with freedom of expression and communication.

In September, the EU Commission presented the EU Kids Act for an EU-wide solution to protect minors on the Internet. Among other things, it envisages a social media ban for those under 13 and only having their own accounts from the age of 15. The EU Parliament and the member states are currently discussing the proposal.

Until the EU regulations take effect, Germany should also have its own restrictions. The cabinet recently decided on a number of measures to protect children and young people on the Internet.

This topic in the program: NDR Info | News | Oct 23, 2026 | 4:15 p.m. tagesschau.de | Greek Parliament approves social media ban | Oct 23, 2026 | 4:37 p.m