A new, stricter framework for the protection of minors in the digital world is being presented on Monday, October 12, 2026, by Ministers Akis Skertsos, Adonis Georgiadis, and Dimitris Papastergiou. The legislative initiative aims to limit children's exposure to online risks, establishing a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 15 as its central pillar.
Mandatory Verification and Timeline
According to the draft bill, the new rules are expected to come into full effect on January 1, 2027. The primary change involves the obligation of technology companies to implement reliable and proportionate age verification methods for their users. These mechanisms must align with the specifications of the European Digital Services Act (DSA) while ensuring respect for user rights.
Supervision of the implementation will be assigned to either the European Commission or the national Digital Services Coordinator, depending on where each platform is based. The period leading up to 2027 is considered necessary for the completion of technical preparations by the providers.
Greek Proposals to Europe
Alongside national legislation, the Greek government is promoting a series of proposals to the European Commission to strengthen the regulatory framework at the EU level:
- Establishment of a European "Digital Age of Majority" at 15 years.
- Mandatory use of verification mechanisms for all platforms serving minor users.
- Requirement for semi-annual age re-verification.
- Expansion of the European pilot age verification program across all member states.
- Simplification of coordination and sanction enforcement mechanisms.
