What does Greece’s planned under-15 ban from 2027 signal for EU direction?

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Greece's Planned Under-15 Social Media Ban and its Signal for EU Direction

Greece's intention to ban social media access for individuals under 15 years old, set to take effect from January 1, 2027, is part of a wider global trend of increasing age restrictions on digital platforms. This move by Greece, alongside similar legislative proposals from other European Union member states such as Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and Denmark, indicates a growing momentum within the EU to address concerns regarding children's online safety and social media consumption. While the European Commission is reportedly awaiting recommendations from an expert committee regarding a potential EU-wide social media ban for children, these individual national initiatives suggest a strong impetus from member states to enact protective measures.
National Initiatives Preceding EU-Wide Policy

The announcement from Greece is one of several recent or planned legislative actions by EU member states aimed at restricting children's access to social media. Austria and Slovenia are also in the process of preparing legislation to prohibit access for those under 14 and under 15, respectively. Germany is exploring options for age-graded bans or platform-specific restrictions, while Sweden is debating a ban for under-15s by early 2028. The Irish government has indicated it is considering legislating independently if no EU-wide decision is reached. Denmark announced in October 2025 its intention to propose banning several social media platforms for under-15s. These concurrent national efforts highlight a shared concern among EU countries about the impact of social media on young users.
Global Context of Age Restrictions

The trend observed within the EU mirrors broader international developments concerning social media age limits. Over 20 countries worldwide have implemented or proposed similar measures, with many targeting children under 15 or 16. For instance, Australia has banned social media for under-16s since December 2025, and Brazil introduced a law requiring parental linkage for users under 16 and age verification. China has progressively restricted minors' access to social media since 2019, extending these measures beyond online gaming to social media and streaming platforms. Indonesia and Malaysia have banned social media for under-16s, while Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are also set to implement bans for under-15s in the coming years.
Deliberations on Social Media Regulations

Beyond Greece, other EU nations are actively considering or debating their own social media age restrictions. The UK is looking to ban social media for under-16s by early 2027. Canada has proposed setting the minimum age for social media use at 16. Within the EU, France is considering a proposal to ban social media for children under 15, with a final version anticipated soon. Portugal is contemplating a bill to set the age for independent platform access at 16, and Spain has proposed raising the minimum age for social media registration from 14 to 16. Italy is also considering legislation to ban social media use for children under 15. These diverse legislative considerations underscore a significant and evolving approach to child online safety across Europe.

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What does Greece’s planned under-15 ban from 2027 signal for EU direction?

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