Greece's government has warned major tech companies that they could face fines totaling as much as 48 billion euros ($56 billion) if they fail to comply with a proposed ban on social media for children under 15, as the bill cleared a key parliamentary committee.
The legislation would bar under-15s from social media starting Jan. 1, 2027, and make platforms responsible for verifying users' ages. It passed with votes from the governing New Democracy party only.
Opposition parties withheld their support ahead of a full parliamentary vote scheduled for Thursday.
Minister of State Akis Skertsos said European Union law allows fines of up to 6% of a company's annual turnover. For three of the largest tech firms, he said, that could add up to 48 billion euros.
"The solution we are offering may not be perfect, but it is proportionate, compatible with EU law and, above all, enforceable," Mr. Skertsos told lawmakers.
He said Greece would be among the first countries to pass such a law.
He rejected opposition claims that a similar ban in Australia, which bars under-16s from social media, had failed, arguing Greece would enforce stricter age checks through its Kids Wallet app.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said platforms would learn only whether a user is above or below 15, protecting children's personal data.
Opposition parties criticized the blanket ban.
They cited weak scientific grounds, vague age-verification rules and a lack of accountability for platforms, and some urged Greece to wait for EU-wide rules.