Greece joins push to ban social media for minors
The Greek parliament has passed a law banning social media use by people under 15, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's party using its majority to approve the measure.
The Greek parliament has passed a law banning the use of social media by people under the age of 15. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's party, New Democracy, used its majority to pass the bill on Friday, with no other political parties supporting it during a heated debate that started on Thursday.
Greece's new laws will come into effect on January 1, 2027. They will require age verification on social networks and impose harsh penalties should companies fail to comply. Mitsotakis had previously announced plans for the ban in April, explaining the measure as "difficult but necessary" on TikTok.
Global Trend
The ban brings Greece into line with about 20 countries that now restrict access to social media apps for young people. Australia, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Austria, Denmark, and the UK are among those that have either introduced or plan similar restrictions.
The opposition socialist PASOK party abstained from the vote, after seeking an alternative bill that would have banned social media for under-13s and parental controls for 13- and 14-year-olds.
Debate Continues
Critics say social networks use addictive algorithms to glue kids to their screens, and warn excessive scrolling can damage their mental health. However, bans have faced pushback, with questions about their enforcement and effectiveness.
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