Greece Announces Sweeping Social Media Ban for Under-15s, Effective 2027

Greece is set to implement one of the world's most restrictive digital policies, with a full ban on social media access for all citizens under the age of 15 starting January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed the unprecedented move, framing it as a direct response to the "addictive design" of social platforms. The announcement, made via a short social video, signals a major state-level intervention into the digital lives of minors, positioning Greece at the forefront of a global regulatory push against Big Tech's influence on youth.

The policy, announced by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, targets the core business models of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others, which rely on algorithmic feeds and engagement-driven features. The ban is not immediate but provides a multi-year runway, suggesting a phased implementation or a period for platform compliance and public adjustment. This move places Greece alongside other nations experimenting with age-based digital restrictions, but its blanket prohibition for an entire age cohort represents a significantly more aggressive stance.

The 2027 deadline creates a substantial compliance challenge for global social media companies operating in Greece and sets a potential precedent for other European Union members. It raises immediate questions about enforcement mechanisms, age verification standards, and the legal framework required to enact such a ban. The policy also intensifies scrutiny on the ethical responsibilities of tech giants regarding child safety and mental health, potentially influencing broader EU digital regulation debates around the Digital Services Act and age-appropriate design codes.