On 23 October 2026, the Greek Parliament approved a bill designed to restrict access to online social media for individuals under the age of 15. According to the government, the new rules are due to come into force on 1 January 2027; the final technical procedures are yet to be determined during implementation.
Briefly about the main points
- The Greek Parliament has approved a bill introducing age restrictions on social media.
- The rule is due to come into force on 1 January 2027.
- The age limit will apply to users under the age of 15.
- Platforms must put in place robust and proportionate age verification measures.
- The maximum fine under the DSA can be up to 6% of global turnover.
Which platforms will be covered by the new rules?
The Greek Government has named Facebook, Instagram and TikTok examples of services to which this approach will apply. These are platforms where users create profiles, publish content accessible to others and interact with one another.
This list is not exhaustive: the scope of application will depend on the functions of the specific service and the subsequent interpretation of the rules. According to government officials, standard messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber and Messenger may not be subject to the restrictions.
How they plan to verify users’ ages
Technology companies are expected to implement reliable and proportionate age verification mechanisms that will prevent younger users from accessing social media. The government is also considering requiring age verification for accounts already created in Greece.
The government apps Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet have been cited as possible tools. They can help verify that the age threshold has been met without disclosing the full date of birth to the platforms; however, the government has not designated them as the sole mandatory method of verification.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis He stated that the platforms have approximately two and a half months to prepare an age verification system that protects privacy. Practical implementation will depend on technical regulations and the companies’ engagement with regulators.
Possible sanctions and the government’s stance
The government justifies the initiative as a means of protecting children from problematic use of social media platforms, cyberbullying, harmful content and risks to sleep, concentration and mental health. The ruling New Democracy party supported the bill, whilst a number of opposition parties voted against it and PASOK abstained.
Compliance with the requirements is to be monitored by Greek regulators in coordination with EU mechanisms. Under the EU Digital Services Act, the maximum fine for a breach may amount to up to 6% of the provider’s global annual turnover for the preceding financial year. Such a penalty is not automatic: breaches must be established by the competent authorities.
The European context and the application of the rules
In December 2024, Australia adopted a nationwide minimum age requirement for social media, covering users aged 16 and under. In France, on 14 August 2026, the Constitutional Council struck down a provision of the law that prohibited access to social media for those under the age of 15.
The proposed Greek regulations will apply in Greece and will not, in themselves, alter the terms of use for Facebook, Instagram or TikTok for Ukrainian accounts outside Greek jurisdiction. At the same time, the final approach will depend on the age verification and monitoring mechanisms provided for under European regulations on digital services.
