Greece to launch new digital tool to block minors from gambling and tobacco sites

Greece is preparing to roll out a new digital tool designed to prevent minors from accessing online gambling and tobacco retail websites, potentially as early as next month.

Local media reports indicate that the Kids Wallet app will automatically block users under 18 from gambling platforms and restrict social media access for children under 15.

While the legal gambling age in Greece is 21, the app’s initial focus will be on users under 18. Originally launched in May, the state-developed app allows parents to manage screen time and verify their children’s ages through the government services portal. The upcoming update will add the ability to block access to gambling and tobacco sites.

The app works by verifying users’ ages and filtering content directly on their devices, ensuring restricted platforms remain inaccessible even without logging into specific accounts. Parents can link their children’s tax identification numbers to create joint accounts, set daily usage limits, and confirm age using official documents. This process establishes a digital identity for the child, with parental oversight ending once the child turns 15. Although use of the app is currently optional, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is reportedly considering making it mandatory.

Greek authorities have held consultations with technology companies, including Google, to ensure the system is both technically reliable and enforceable. A delegation from the European Commission is scheduled to visit Athens this week to provide guidance and align the initiative with EU-wide child protection efforts under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The launch of Kids Wallet reflects increasing concern over the addictive nature of digital platforms for young users. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently advocated for a minimum age for social media access, highlighting widespread agreement among EU countries for a “digital majority age.”

Several nations, including France, Spain, Denmark, and Italy, are already exploring similar age-based restrictions for social media. Australia, meanwhile, plans to enforce age limits on social media and online dating platforms for users under 16 starting October 10.