Greece to make social-media platforms verify users under 15 under new EU rules

Speaking to ERT, Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou outlined Greece’s plan to enforce the EU Digital Services Act’s provisions on protecting minors online. The rule targets platforms that deliver continuous content streams and user interaction, specifically naming Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with Snapchat under review, while pure messaging services like WhatsApp and Messenger are exempt. Companies must verify whether an account belongs to someone under 15, using any technical means or the government’s Kids Wallet system, which only indicates age compliance without revealing personal data.

Users or parents can lodge complaints with the National Telecommunications and Post Commission, which will refer cases to the appropriate EU regulator. Breaches may be penalised with fines up to 6% of the platform’s worldwide annual turnover. Papastergiou also urged parents to maintain active dialogue with their children and warned that improper use of a parent’s phone for verification could bypass restrictions.