Greece bans social media for children under 15

Greece’s parliament approved a bill on Friday banning children under 15 from using social media platforms, amid growing concerns over their impact on the health and safety of minors.

The ban takes effect on 1 January 2027, giving platforms two and a half months to devise age verification systems that also protect users’ privacy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

Greece is among seven EU member states seeking a coordinated age verification solution with the European Commission.

The government said the measure is aimed at curbing the “endless scrolling” that deprives children of sleep, concentration and time with their friends, framing the law as standing by parents in protecting minors online.

Australia was the first country to pass legislation restricting social media use by minors. France passed a similar law but it was struck down by the country’s Constitutional Council in August.

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