Yazılar

Greece Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Under-15s

Greece is preparing to introduce a social media ban for children under 15, as concerns over addiction, cyberbullying and online safety intensify among parents and policymakers.

The expected measure, backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, would align Greece with countries like Australia that have already implemented similar restrictions. While details on enforcement and timing remain unclear, an official announcement is anticipated soon.

Public support for the move appears strong. Surveys indicate that around 80% of respondents favor a ban, reflecting widespread concern over the impact of platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and TikTok on young users.

Data from Greece’s Safer Internet Centre shows a sharp rise in cyberbullying cases and online abuse, with helpline calls more than doubling in a year. Experts warn that a large proportion of children using social media are too young to manage associated risks effectively.

Despite support, some parents remain skeptical about enforcement, noting that children may find ways to bypass restrictions. Others argue that family-level controls could be more effective than government intervention.

The initiative reflects a broader global shift toward tighter regulation of social media access for minors, as governments respond to growing evidence of its impact on youth mental health and behavior.

Greek Court Rules in Spy Case

A Greek court has found four individuals guilty of breaching personal data in connection with a surveillance controversy that emerged earlier this decade.

The case relates to allegations involving unauthorized monitoring through mobile software during 2020–2021. The ruling includes prison sentences, though the time to be served remains subject to appeal.

The decision follows years of legal scrutiny into claims that journalists and political figures were targeted through digital surveillance tools. The matter has drawn significant attention within Greece and beyond, raising concerns about privacy and oversight.

Authorities have also referred aspects of the case for further investigation into potential additional offences.

The development represents a key milestone in ongoing legal proceedings related to the broader wiretapping scandal.

Greece Strikes Deal with OpenAI to Bring AI into Classrooms and Small Businesses

Greece and OpenAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence in schools and boosting innovation for small businesses. The agreement makes Greece one of the first countries to deploy ChatGPT Edu, a specialized version of ChatGPT tailored for academic institutions.

According to OpenAI, the deal will give Greek secondary schools direct access to advanced AI tools, while startups in healthcare, climate change, education, and the public sector will receive credits and support to build projects with OpenAI’s technology.

The MoU was signed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Onassis Foundation President Anthony S. Papadimitriou, and OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane. In his remarks, Lehane tied the initiative to Greece’s intellectual heritage: “From Plato’s Academy to Aristotle’s Lyceum—Greece is the historical birthplace of western education. Today, with millions of Greeks using ChatGPT, the country is once again showing its dedication to learning and ideas.”

The deal comes just weeks after OpenAI released GPT-5, its latest model, which is powering the next phase of ChatGPT’s global adoption across education, business, and cultural applications.