Greece to automatically block minors from social media and gambling sites

• Greece plans to prohibit social media access for children under 15 from October, using device-level controls rather than platform restrictions
• Minors under 18 will also be automatically blocked from online gambling platforms and tobacco retail websites through the state-run Kids Wallet app
• The initiative follows extensive discussions with tech giants like Google and aligns with broader EU efforts to protect children online

Greece is preparing to make history as Europe’s first nation to automatically restrict minors’ access to social media platforms and online gambling sites, with historical measures potentially implemented by the end of October, according to local reports.

The government plan prohibits access to social media platforms for children under 15, whilst also blocking minors under 18 from online betting platforms and tobacco retail websites.

Unlike Australia’s approach, which requires age verification for account creation, Greece’s system operates at the device level through its state-run Kids Wallet application.

Device-level controls

The Kids Wallet app, launched in May by the Ministry of Digital Governance, will handle access control, filtering and complete blocking of restricted platforms. The application automatically blocks social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X from search results or direct access if the device user is under 15.

Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou previously described the app as “a robust resource to safeguard children online” when it was first introduced. The system creates digital identities for minors using parental tax identification credentials and official documents, allowing parents to set usage permissions and daily limits.

The technology prevents access even without logging in, addressing a key limitation of platform-based restrictions where users can still browse content as visitors. Devices will automatically enable safety protocols based on user age, restricting content accordingly when minors attempt to access age-inappropriate platforms.

Government backing

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed willingness to proceed with the initiative, having previously stated at the United Nations that Greece is “considering banning the use of social media for those aged 16 and under, similar to Australia”.

Speaking at the UN event “Protecting Children in the Digital Age,” Mitsotakis emphasised that leaders have “a duty to act” given the data on social media’s effects on children’s brains.

“We are conducting the greatest uncontrolled experiment ever on our children’s minds. We don’t know what the consequences will be, but we are almost certain they won’t be positive,” Mitsotakis said.

Final decisions on the scope of restrictions rest entirely with the Prime Minister, according to government sources. Greek authorities have engaged in extensive discussions with social media companies and internet giants including Google on implementation methods.

European coordination

A European Commission delegation is scheduled to visit Athens this week to receive briefings on the project’s progress and exchange technical expertise. The initiative aligns with broader EU efforts under the Digital Services Act to protect minors online.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed calls for minimum age requirements for social media access, stating that “France, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Italy are testing the Commission’s plan for implementing age verification in their national apps”.

During a keynote speech on 24 September, at the same UN event, Ursula von der Leyen commented:

“These apps are working as they are designed to attract and addict children to manipulative algorithms that are ultimately geared, let’s be frank, to return profits to the tech companies. This business is not for charity,” von der Leyen said at a UN General Assembly event.

Addressing digital addiction

The restrictions address growing concerns over social media’s addictive nature, particularly for children. Studies suggest algorithms on platforms like TikTok mimic gambling reward mechanisms, fostering compulsive behaviours that can affect attention, memory and emotional regulation.

Research indicates that social media addiction causes attention deficits, short-term memory impairment, anxiety and depression when not using platforms, eating disorders, reduced reading ability, and poor academic performance.

The addictive effects stem from algorithms triggering dopamine release with each viewed video or post, creating dependency similar to nicotine addiction.