Cyprus Plans Social Media Age Limit

ATHENS, April 16 (Bernama-dpa) -- Cyprus intends to restrict access to social media for children under the age of 15, following the example set recently by Greece, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

President Nikos Christodoulides said in a Facebook post on Thursday that an age limit of 15 should apply to social media, adding that protecting children in the digital environment is a top priority for the government. 

The regulation is set to come into force later this year, but Christodoulides did not provide further details.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a similar law at the beginning of April.

From January 1, 2027, children under the age of 15 will no longer be permitted to use social media platforms.

Mitsotakis described the measure as a necessary step to protect young people from the negative effects and the "addictive structure" of social networks.

Both countries are planning legal regulations on age verification, sanctions for violations, and greater responsibility for platforms.

On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promoted an EU app for digital age verification as part of the debate on protecting children and young people online.

-- BERNAMA-dpa