Greece Law Bars Social Media Use for Under-15s Starting 2027

Greece has officially enacted a national law prohibiting children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. The legislation takes effect on January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift in how the country regulates digital access for minors. This measure follows an announcement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis earlier in the year and represents one of the first standalone bans of its kind within the European Union.

The new regulations apply to major services including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. To enforce the ban, these platforms are required to implement age-verification methods that are both proportionate and reliable. The law aims to restrict access for those under 15 while ensuring that the verification process remains efficient and respects user data.

The timeline for this policy began with Mitsotakis describing the initiative as a difficult but necessary step. The bill faced opposition from minority parties in parliament, but the prime minister utilized his majority government to secure its passage. The move builds on previous national efforts, such as the 2024 ban on mobile phone use in schools, and reflects broad support among Greek adults according to recent opinion polls.

Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s digital governance and AI minister, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He noted that waiting for a perfect European law was not an option given the current digital landscape. Papastergiou argued that responsible governance requires action, stating that children are increasingly immersed in the internet and need protection now.

Compliance with the new act is tied to the EU’s Digital Services Act, meaning platforms that fail to meet the requirements may face fines. Additionally, parents will play a key role in enforcement. They will be required to download state-backed applications, specifically Kids Wallet or Gov.gr, which pair with their child’s device to block unauthorized access.

These applications are designed to protect privacy while managing access. Papastergiou explained that the apps use age tokens to confirm a user's age. This technology allows for verification with minimal disclosure of personal data, ensuring that children’s digital footprints remain as private as possible while the law is in effect.

The Greek government views this national law as a precursor to broader continental changes. Mitsotakis has stated that his administration aims to push the European Union in the same direction. The European Commission has already introduced the EU Kids Act, though that legislation stipulates an outright ban only for children under 13. Greece’s stricter threshold for under-15s positions the nation as a leader in this regulatory space.

Globally, Australia was the first country to enact a full social media ban for children. However, the implementation of age verification in Australia has proven challenging. Greece’s approach, leveraging specific state apps and strict platform mandates, seeks to address these technical hurdles. The law will now move into the preparation phase, with full enforcement set to begin at the start of next year.