Greece introduces social media ban for users under 16

Illustrative photo: Teenagers with gadgets. Photo: Elliott Reyna on Unsplash

Starting October 2025, access to social media platforms will be automatically blocked for children under 16 in Greece.This is reported by European Conservative.

The control is enforced through the Kids Wallet app, which blocks minors' access to Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. The restriction will also affect gambling, alcohol, tobacco, pornography, and dating sites for those under 18. Unlike in Australia, where access is restricted through identity verification, the Greek model does not require mandatory age confirmation.

The Prime Minister of Greece supported the initiative, stating at a UN event in New York that the world is carrying out “the largest uncontrolled experiment on children’s minds” through unchecked social media exposure. According to him, the consequences of this influence are "unlikely to be positive."

Meanwhile, critics point out that under the slogan of protecting youth, authorities may increase control over the Internet. Similar measures are being discussed in France and Spain, raising concerns about restricting access to information.

The European Commission is simultaneously promoting the "Chat Control" initiative, which involves scanning messages on platforms like Signal and Telegram. Signal and Proton Mail companies have already warned that they are ready to leave the European market if such a system is introduced.

Previously, the UOJ reported that YouTube deleted the UOJ channel in Greece.

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