Greece plans to implement comprehensive measures to protect children and young people online starting in October 2025. Users under the age of 15 will no longer be allowed access to social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. At the same time, access to online gambling sites and alcohol and tobacco shops will be restricted for minors under the age of 18. With these regulations, Greece could become the first EU country to implement such strict digital age verification.
The new rules aim to protect children and young people from the risks of gambling, social media addiction, and other problematic content. Age verification will be implemented via the government-run app "Kids Wallet." Parents must activate the app on their children's devices. Once activated, the app controls access to certain websites and automatically blocks social media platforms.
“The measure shows that the protection of minors in the digital space is a priority,” explains a spokesperson for the Greek Ministry of Digital Policy.
Experts see this step as an important milestone for digital child protection. International observers view the initiative as a model for other EU countries. The European Commission has already launched pilot projects for age verification in France, Denmark, Italy, and Spain.
Social media ban for those under 15
The planned blocking of social media apps directly affects users under 15 years of age. Parents must install and set up the Kids Wallet app, which automatically filters access to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Even if children log in, the app prevents them from using the app. The app also monitors problematic content and is designed to help young people develop healthy digital habits.
“We want to ensure that children grow up in a protected digital environment and at the same time learn to use media responsibly,” says a ministry representative.
Block online gambling for minors
In addition to the social media ban, users under the age of 18 will no longer have access to online gambling sites, tobacco, or alcohol shops. This blocking will also be implemented via the Kids Wallet app. Gambling site operators must accept age verification to continue offering their services.
The planned measures could be groundbreaking across the EU. Currently, there are no uniform rules for digital child protection, and many countries rely on voluntary age verification. By making the installation of the Kids Wallet app mandatory, Greece could develop a model that other EU countries can adopt.
The measures are scheduled to be introduced at the end of October 2025. From then on, social media apps will be blocked for children under 15, while young people under 18 will be denied access to online gambling sites, alcohol, and tobacco shops. The Greek government emphasizes that this is a long-term goal to protect children and young people in an increasingly digital world.
