The Greece social media ban is now law. Greece’s parliament passed a bill on 23 October 2026 that bars children under 15 from social media. The law is set to take effect on 1 January 2027. In this article, you will learn what the law says, how age checks will work, and why critics are not convinced.
What Is the Greece Social Media Ban?
The new law bans children under 15 from using social media platforms. It also requires age verification on social networks. In addition, it imposes harsh penalties on companies that fail to comply.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the plan in April. He explained the decision in a TikTok video and called the measure “difficult but necessary.” Officials have linked the move to concerns about sleep, anxiety, and phone addiction among young people.
Which Platforms Does the Ban Cover?
Reports on the draft law say it covers services where users create profiles, post content, comment, like, or follow. This includes Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, always check the final text of the law for the full list of covered services.
How Will Age Verification Work?
The government plans to rely on Kids Wallet, a state-backed app. It confirms whether a user is above or below the age limit. Importantly, it does this without giving platforms a birth date or other personal data.
Gov.gr Wallet is also expected to play a role. Meanwhile, the bill follows the principle of technological neutrality. Therefore, companies may choose other technical solutions, as long as they verify age reliably.
Penalties for Social Media Companies
Platforms that fail to keep under-15s off their services face heavy fines. A government minister has said the penalty could theoretically reach tens of billions of dollars. As a result, large technology companies have a strong reason to comply.
How Did Parliament Vote?
The debate was heated and ran from Thursday into Friday. Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s conservative New Democracy party used its majority to pass the bill. No other party backed it.
- Pasok (socialist): abstained after seeking a different bill. It wanted a ban for under-13s and parental controls for 13- and 14-year-olds.
- Other left-wing and nationalist parties: voted against.
Greece vs Other Countries
Greece is not alone. According to an AFP tally, more than 20 countries have passed similar laws. Australia was the first country to introduce such a ban last year.
| Country | Age Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | Under 15 | Passed; takes effect 1 January 2027 |
| Australia | Under 16 | Introduced last year |
| Türkiye | Under 15 | Takes effect 1 November |
| France | Under 15 | Backed by parliament |
Why Do Critics Oppose the Law?
Supporters say social networks use addictive algorithms to keep children glued to their screens. They also warn that excessive scrolling can harm mental health. However, critics raise several concerns:
- Free-speech advocates have pushed back against such bans.
- Sceptics question how well the bans will work in practice.
- Some opponents cited weak scientific grounds and vague age-verification rules.
- Some urged Greece to wait for EU-wide rules instead.
In addition, reports noted that Kids Wallet use is currently voluntary. Therefore, it remains unclear how widely the system will be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Greece social media ban start?
The law is set to take effect on 1 January 2027.
What age does the ban apply to?
It applies to children under 15.
How will platforms check a child’s age?
The government points to Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet. These tools confirm age without sharing a birth date with the platform.
Who pays the penalty if a child gets through?
The law targets companies, not families. Platforms that fail to comply face harsh penalties.
Conclusion
The Greece social media ban places Greece among a growing group of countries that restrict young people’s use of social apps. The law starts on 1 January 2027, relies on age verification, and carries heavy penalties. Its success will depend on how well platforms and the Kids Wallet system work. For more world and public-interest updates, keep following Pakistan Post. You can also read the original report on Dawn.
