New regulating preventing minors under 15 from accessing platforms such as Facebook and Instagram will come into force in January subject to a final vote in parliament.
Greece’s government, in an attempt to address digital addiction, presented its new regulatory framework on Monday to curb social media use among minors under 15 years old.
“We believe in technology and its potential. That is why we must regulate it with a human-centric approach, particularly when it concerns the health and development of children,” said Akis Skertsos, Minister for the Coordination of Government Policies.
The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2027 and will initially apply to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram, while other social media will be added gradually. The measure concerns only social networks, not the overall use of the internet or other technology.
Implementation of the regulation will be based on the EU framework for digital services, the Digital Services Act, DSA, while violations will trigger the oversight and sanction mechanisms provided for by EU legislation.
The bill is being submitted to a parliamentary committee on October 13, and the government aims to bring it before a vote on October 22. The government announced its decision to ban social media among youngsters in April.
Greece already banned the use of mobile phones in schools in 2024 and launched the website parco.gov.gr, where parents can find instructions on how to use the parental control features available on various devices.
It has also developed the Kids Wallet App, which allows parents to store their child’s identity in digital form, while also enabling them to restrict or block access to applications and online services when the mobile device is being used by the minor.