Mitsotakis calls for a unified European framework for the protection of minors from digital addiction

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the measures for the protection of minors from internet addiction.

The letter folows:

“Dear Ursula,

I am writing to you regarding an issue of intergenerational responsibility that calls for collective action at the European level; one I know resonates with you deeply, not only in your capacity as President of the European Commission, but also as a mother: the protection of minors from internet addiction.

Today I announced the introduction of national legislation to establish a minimum age threshold for access to social media, effective as of January 1, 2027. However, national action alone will not suffice. A unified European framework must be in place by the end of 2026 in order to complement and strengthen necessary national initiatives for the protection of minors.

We both agree that Europe must choose its regulatory battles wisely. I am convinced this is one of them. What is required now is a coordinated and swift response.

Under your leadership, we have advanced the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (BIK+), focusing on safer digital experiences and empowerment, while the Digital Services Act (DSA) — our cornerstone legislation — has introduced stronger accountability and transparency requirements for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).

While these initiatives have set a global benchmark, further action is both possible and necessary. Sharing your view that Europe must choose its regulatory battles wisely, I am convinced this is one to be waged with dedication.

Considering that national action alone will clearly not suffice, I would like to propose:

• Scaling the European age-verification pilot into a fully harmonized, EU-wide framework to ensure uniform implementation across the Union by the end of the year.

• Mandating the use of this standardized age-verification mechanism for all platforms serving users under the age of 15, eliminating regulatory fragmentation.

• Establishing a European “Digital Age of Majority” at 15, introducing a Union-wide prohibition on access to social media platforms for users below this threshold.

• Requiring biannual age re-verification by platforms to ensure continuous compliance and prevent circumvention of access controls.

• Creating a streamlined EU-level coordination and enforcement mechanism, enabling Member States and the European Commission to jointly assess incidents and accelerate the imposition of penalties for non-compliant companies.

Our national initiative can serve as a model for this broader European solution. “KidsWallet” is an innovative, government-issued application that enables parents to set clear boundaries for mobile app usage, while establishing a secure and trustworthy age-verification process to ensure that children are exposed only to safe and age-appropriate content. It is already interoperable with the EU age-verification mechanism.

These indicative initiatives represent only part of a broader European strategy, as we consider this issue not merely a matter of policy, but an ethical responsibility toward the next generation.

I hope you find merit in these ideas and remain at your disposal for a more detailed exchange.”