The bill banning minors from using online social networking services from January 1, 2027, was approved by a majority in Parliament’s plenary session late on Thursday.
Only ruling New Democracy (ND) voted in favour of the bill in principle. Among opposition parties, PASOK voted “present”, while SYRIZA, the Elliniki Lysi, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Niki and Plefsi Eleftherias voted against it.
Earlier, Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dimitris Papastergiou defended the new regulations, describing them as a necessary, effective and proportionate solution compatible with EU law.
“It would have been very easy to do absolutely nothing today and wait for the perfect European law. But the challenge is here. Children are sinking into the internet every day, and I believe a responsible government must do what it is obliged to do. We did the same with the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, and this succeeded in curbing their sales in the first few months,” Papastergiou said.
“Let us send the message that the problem of uncontrolled internet use, which leads children to addiction at the expense of their mental health, cannot continue,” he added.
Papastergiou said that, from January 1, 2027, platforms would have to determine whether their accounts and services were intended for adults or minors.
The Digital Governance Minister placed particular emphasis on the Kids Wallet application, noting that it was developed not only as part of a European initiative but also in response to a question raised by the platforms.
“Kids Wallet is not a Greek invention. It follows a code and technical specifications set out by Europe last summer. And I repeat: it does not disclose any personal data about children or users, providing only an indication of whether they are above or below the age of 15, not even their date of birth,” he stressed.
“We owe our children their childhood. That is what we are doing today. We have a duty to protect them. Given the issues at stake, the social media bill delivers something society has been waiting for,” Papastergiou concluded.
