Greece passes under-15 social media law with 6% revenue fines
Parliament approved the restriction on October 23, 2026; it takes effect January 1, 2027, and covers social networking services.
Greece's parliament passed a law restricting social media use for children under 15, with the rules set to take effect on January 1, 2027, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. Platforms that violate the rules can be fined up to 6% of global revenue.
Under the law, platforms must set up reliable procedures to verify that users meet the age requirement. They may not collect personal data beyond what is needed for age verification, and they must provide a way to correct verification errors.
The Greek government allows the use of its own digital tools, such as Kids Wallet, for age verification but does not mandate a specific technology. The rules target social networking services and do not impose a blanket ban on private messaging or on educational and informational services.
Enforcement for major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is linked to the EU Digital Services Act's supervision and sanctions framework. Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece's Minister of Digital Governance and AI, stressed that platforms must take the necessary measures.
Earlier push and wider European debate
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis publicly announced plans to pursue the policy in April 2026. In September 2026, the European Commission proposed the EU KIDS Act to strengthen children's online safety; it is not yet finalized law. Australia has restricted major social media accounts for children under 16 since December 2025, and France and Denmark are also discussing stricter age limits.
Quick answers
When does Greece's under-15 social media law take effect?
The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.
What fines can platforms face under the Greek law?
Platforms that violate the rules can be fined up to 6% of global revenue.
Which platforms are covered by the rules?
The rules target social networking services, including major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and do not blanket-ban private messaging or educational and informational services.