Governments consider social media bans for minors

The UK government has initiated public consultations regarding a potential ban on social media for individuals under 16. This consultation will explore measures such as disabling addictive features and implementing overnight curfews for minors. The move follows similar legislative efforts in Spain and Greece.

via BBC News·jurist.org·time.com

Over two dozen countries have proposed social media bans for minors in the past year, with Australia being the first to ban access for those under 16. This has influenced other nations like Germany, France, and the UK to consider similar measures. Greece, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan are also pursuing online identity verification laws.

via time.com·reuters.com·reuters.com

Greece is preparing to ban social media use for those under 15, utilizing the existing 'Kids Wallet' parental-control app for enforcement. This universal ban will have no parental opt-out and will feature device-based age checks, aiming to curb digital addiction and protect minors online.

via Euractiv·reuters.com·apnews.com

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed strong support for banning social media access for minors, calling child protection a top priority and indicating a decision will be announced soon. Spain's proposed law also includes making algorithm manipulation a crime.

via Euractiv·AP News·greekreporter.com

Spain has officially announced a nationwide ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. This makes Spain the first European country to implement such a restriction. The ban is expected to be enforced within a week and requires social media companies to implement strict age verification systems.

via amkresourceinfo.com

Spain and Greece are moving forward with plans to ban social media for minors, with Spain prohibiting access for under-16s and Greece preparing a ban for under-15s. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that social media executives would be held responsible for hate speech and that platforms must implement effective age-verification systems. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed support for the bans, emphasizing child protection and stating a decision would be announced soon.

via Reuters·DW·The Hindu

Spain plans to ban social media access for children under 16, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announcing the initiative on February 3, 2026, to protect young people from harmful online content. The proposed law will require social media companies to implement effective age verification systems. Greece is also preparing to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 15.

via Reuters·Reuters·Euractiv

Greece is reportedly close to announcing a social media ban for children under 15, according to a senior government official. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to ban individuals under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with a bill potentially introduced as early as next week. These proposed measures have drawn criticism from figures like Elon Musk.

via Reuters·The Hindu·Reuters

Spain, Greece, and France are collaborating to mandate age verification on social media platforms, with Spain becoming the first European country to ban social media for those under 16. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the measures, which include "real age-verification barriers" and increased accountability for platforms. Five other European countries, including France and the UK, are reportedly joining Spain's crackdown.

via Geek-Room·Jurist·Reuters·The Hindu·The Tech Buzz