Greece Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Greece’s Parliament reportedly approved legislation on 23 October 2026 to prohibit children under 15 from using social media platforms. The restriction is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027 and is intended to address concerns about children’s online safety, sleep, concentration and well-being.

The reported measure covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. It applies to existing accounts as well as new users, and parental consent will not exempt children under 15 from the restriction.

Key Highlights

Country: Greece
Approval date: 23 October 2026
Scheduled implementation: 1 January 2027
Minimum age: 15 years
Platforms mentioned: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
Age-verification system: Linked to the KidsWallet app, according to the supplied report
Parental consent: Does not override the restriction

Age Verification and Privacy

The reported framework requires users to verify that they meet the minimum age. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said platforms had approximately two and a half months to develop age-verification systems while protecting users’ privacy.

The system is linked to the KidsWallet app, which reportedly uses cryptographic techniques, including zero-knowledge proofs, to verify age without disclosing unnecessary personal information.

What Is a Zero-Knowledge Proof?

A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic method that allows one party to verify a claim without revealing the underlying information used to establish it. In this context, it could help verify that a user meets an age threshold while limiting the disclosure of personal data.

Objectives of the Restriction

The stated objectives include:

Reducing excessive or continuous social media scrolling.
Addressing concerns about sleep and concentration.
Encouraging children to spend more time with friends offline.
Reducing minors’ exposure to inappropriate content.
Tackling cyberbullying and related online-safety risks.

European Union Context

Greece is reportedly working with six other European Union countries and the European Commission on a common age-verification solution. Its approach could inform future EU-level measures, including the proposed EU Kids Act.

The supplied report also refers to a French law that was struck down by the French Constitutional Council in August 2026. This comparison should be checked against official legal records before publication.