In a decisive move to protect minors in the digital sphere, the Greek government is introducing a bill to Parliament today that restricts children's access to social media. The plenary vote is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, laying the groundwork for a new era of digital safety.
Age Limits and Implementation Timeline
The new institutional framework explicitly sets 15 years as the minimum age for autonomous platform use. While the legislative process is concluding now, full implementation of the provisions is slated to begin on January 1, 2027. The initiative is co-signed by Ministers Akis Skertsos, Dimitris Papastergiou, and Adonis Georgiadis, targeting issues such as algorithmic addiction, sleep disorders, and cyberbullying.
Verification Technology and Corporate Responsibility
The enforcement of the measure will rely on technological solutions designed to safeguard user privacy:
- Age Tokens: Age verification will be conducted via the Gov.gr Wallet and Kids Wallet applications, ensuring no further personal data is shared with the platforms.
- Big Tech Responsibility: Technology giants are mandated to develop reliable, proportionate, and tamper-proof age verification methods.
- DSA Sanctions: Oversight and fines will be implemented through the European Digital Services Act (DSA) in cooperation with the European Commission.
Toward a European Framework
This national regulation serves as a precursor to the broader Greek proposal for the "EU Kids Act." The goal is to establish a uniform 15-year age limit across the European Union and enforce "safety by design" rules for digital platforms.
