Greece to Implement Social Media Ban for Under-15s

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the forthcoming ban, highlighting rising anxiety and sleep issues among young people as key motivators. He emphasised that the measure, while 'difficult but necessary', aims to counter the business model of certain applications that 'takes away your innocence and your freedom' through their addictive design.

European Push for Uniform Regulations

Greece intends to advocate for a common European framework to strengthen the protection of minors online. Mr Mitsotakis has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to consider proposals including mandatory age verification for under-15s across all platforms, a pan-European ban for this age group, and bi-annual age re-verification requirements.

This move follows increasing global debate and evidence concerning the detrimental effects of social media on mental health. Several other countries, including France, Austria, and Spain, are exploring similar curbs. The UK government is currently consulting on a potential ban for under-16s, with Ireland and Denmark also considering measures.

Social media companies have expressed reservations, arguing that blanket bans may be ineffective, challenging to enforce, and could potentially isolate vulnerable teenagers. Meta and Google, in a recent US trial, were found liable for a woman's childhood social media addiction, a verdict they intend to appeal, stating that youth mental health is profoundly complex and not attributable to a single application.