Greece’s parliament has passed a law banning children under 15 from using social media, joining countries tightening online access for young people. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2027, and requires platforms to verify users’ ages. Authorities aim to strengthen protections for children using digital platforms.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the proposed ban in April. He explained the plan through a TikTok video, describing the measure as difficult but necessary. TikTok remains among the social platforms popular with young people in Greece.
Read more: LHC seeks assistance on social media ban for children under 16
The parliamentary debate began on Thursday and continued into Friday before lawmakers approved the bill. Mitsotakis’s conservative New Democracy party used its parliamentary majority to secure passage. According to Greece’s ANA news agency, no other party supported the legislation.
The opposition socialist Pasok party abstained from the vote. It had proposed a different approach, banning social media for children under 13 and requiring parental controls for those aged 13 and 14. Other left-wing and nationalist parties voted against the bill.
Under the new law, social networks must introduce age-verification measures to prevent under-15s from accessing their services. Companies that fail to meet the requirements could face severe penalties. The legislation sets out new responsibilities for platforms operating in Greece.
Read more: NCRC opposes under-16 social media ban, urges safeguards
Greece’s decision follows growing international efforts to limit children’s social media use. Australia introduced a similar restriction last year, becoming the first country to ban access for children under 16. An AFP tally indicates that more than 20 countries have passed comparable laws.
Supporters of such restrictions cite concerns about addictive platform algorithms and possible harm from excessive screen time. However, critics raise questions about enforcement and warn that restrictions may affect free speech. Greece’s new law will begin on January 1, 2027, while its practical impact remains to be seen.