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Greece Expands Kids Wallet to Block Under-15s from Gambling, Tobacco Sites

Greece tightens online safety for kids. New rules block under-15s from harmful sites, with EU backing.

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Greece Expands Kids Wallet to Block Under-15s from Gambling, Tobacco Sites

Greece is set to bolster its online safety measures for minors with the expansion of Kids Wallet, a digital control application that restricts access to gambling and tobacco websites. This move aligns with increased European attention on the impact of digital platforms on children, including calls for a 'digital majority age' for social media access.

Kids Wallet, initially introduced in May to allow parental supervision and device use management, will now extend its functionality. Starting as early as next month, the system will block access to gambling and tobacco sites for users under 15, regardless of parental consent. This move aims to close an enforcement gap for those aged 18 to 20, who are still legally prohibited from gambling.

The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is considering making Kids Wallet mandatory, significantly escalating its role in managing young people's online activity. The system, linked to broader EU efforts on age verification, is part of a smartphone security feature to block access based on age settings entered by parents. Greek authorities are engaging with major technology companies like Google to ensure compatibility across platforms.

The European Commission is monitoring the project and will send a delegation to Athens to provide and receive technical feedback, aiming to align the measure with broader EU objectives. The rollout of the extended Kids Wallet is expected to begin as early as next month.

With the expansion of Kids Wallet, Greece is taking a significant step towards protecting minors from harmful online content. The system's compatibility across platforms and potential mandatory implementation highlight the government's commitment to online safety. The European Commission's involvement ensures alignment with broader EU objectives, further solidifying the measure's impact.

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