Greece Bans Social Media Under 15: Will India Follow?

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Greece bans social media for children under 15 from 2027, raising questions about India's child online safety policies.

Published: October 23, 2026

Greece Bans Social Media Under 15: Will India Follow?

Greece has sent a strong message to global technology companies: protecting children online is becoming a government priority. But could this landmark decision influence India's digital future?

What Is Happening Now?

On October 23, 2026, Greece's Parliament approved legislation banning children under 15 from using social media platforms. The ban takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the government wants platforms to verify users' ages while protecting personal information.

The legislation passed without opposition-party support, highlighting political disagreements over how children should be protected online.

Why It Matters

Greece's decision reflects growing international concerns about excessive screen time, cyberbullying, sleep disruption and children's mental health.

Australia has already introduced restrictions for under-16s, while the European Union is developing wider child-safety rules.

A Bigger Geopolitical Debate

The move challenges the influence of global technology companies. Governments increasingly want stronger control over digital platforms operating across borders.

However, critics warn that sweeping bans could restrict young people's freedoms, encourage circumvention and create privacy risks through age verification.

Why This Matters for India

India faces similar challenges as millions of young people use social media.

India's Digital Personal Data Protection framework requires verifiable parental consent for processing children's personal data. Key provisions are scheduled for May 2027.

Importantly, this is not a nationwide social media ban. An October 6 report indicated that the Centre was not then pursuing a blanket under-18 restriction.

Greece's experiment could influence future Indian debates about child safety, parental responsibility and technology regulation.

What Happens Next?

Social media companies must prepare age-verification systems before January 2027.

European regulators will also shape future standards. The real test will be whether restrictions protect children without compromising privacy or access to information.

Conclusion

Greece's decision marks a significant shift towards stricter digital regulation.

For India, the lesson is not necessarily to copy the ban, but to build effective child protections while preserving digital rights.

Reader's Question: Should India ban social media for children under 15, or focus on parental controls and digital education?

Sources

  1. Reuters — October 23, 2026: Greece passes social media ban for children under 15

  2. AFP — October 23, 2026: New Greece law bans social media for under-15s

  3. European Commission — September 17, 2026: EU KIDS Act proposal

  4. Government of India, PIB — November 14, 2025: Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

  5. NDTV Profit — October 6, 2026: India's position on a social media ban for minors

     ....... PENDYALA VASUDEVA RAO 


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