Greece announces social media ban for minors under 15 by 2027

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a ban on social media access for children under 15, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The measure aims to protect minors from cyberbullying, digital addiction, and harmful algorithms. A Politico survey indicates that 75% of EU citizens support stricter age limits, with many favoring a threshold of 16 years. Cyprus is also considering similar legislation, with Commissioner for Children's Rights Elena Perikleous emphasizing the need for impact studies and youth input before final approval. Discussions in Cyprus are coordinated by the Deputy Ministry of Innovation and are set for the upcoming EU informal council. While some governments like France and Spain have expressed interest in similar restrictions, critics argue that bans are difficult to enforce and may infringe upon a child's right to digital socialization. European institutions are currently reviewing the potential for a unified age-verification policy across member states.