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Why Is Meta Supporting Greece's Controversial Age Verification System for Social Media?
I want to share something important with you about keeping kids safe online. Greece just did something smart. They made an app called Kids Wallet. This app helps parents watch what their kids do online. But here's the big part - it also checks if kids are old enough to use social media.
What Makes Kids Wallet Different
Let me tell you how this app works. It's not like other apps you might know. Parents can see what their kids do online. They can check which websites kids visit. They can see which apps kids use.
But the real power comes from age checking. When a kid tries to join Instagram or Facebook, the app steps in. It says "wait, let me check if you're old enough." This stops young kids from getting on platforms they shouldn't use yet.
The Greek government built this app themselves. They didn't wait for big tech companies to fix the problem. They took action.
Why Meta Changed Its Mind
Here's where things get interesting. Meta owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. For years, they said age checking was too hard. They said it wouldn't work. They made excuses.
Now they're singing a different tune. Claudia Tribilino works for Meta. She handles policy for Italy, Greece, and Malta. She said something that surprised many people:
"I am pleased that Greece is taking a leading role in the vital debate among EU Member States. We support the call for the European Commission to implement mandatory, embedded age verification measures across the EU."
This is huge. Meta just said they want age checking everywhere in Europe. Not just in Greece. Everywhere.
The Bigger Picture in Europe
Greece's Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou asked tech companies for help. He said: "Dear platforms, we ask for your cooperation so that together we can protect children at a vulnerable age."
His request worked. But it didn't just get Meta's attention. The European Commission noticed too.
Henna Virkkunen is the European Commission Vice-President for Technology. She likes what Greece did. She wants to make a "mini-wallet" based on Greece's idea.
But here's the twist. This mini-wallet is just a temporary fix. Europe is building something bigger. They call it the European Digital Identity Wallet or EUDI Wallet. It will be ready by the end of 2026.
Google is already working on the technology for this bigger wallet. They're getting ready to help make it happen.
How This Affects Your Family
Let me break down what this means for you and your kids:
For Parents
- You get more control over what your kids see online
- You can track which apps and websites they use
- You don't have to worry as much about kids lying about their age
- You can set limits that actually work
For Kids
- They can't easily fake their age to join adult platforms
- They get protection from content that might hurt them
- They learn to use technology in safer ways
- They still get to enjoy age-appropriate online activities
For Everyone
- Social media becomes safer for young people
- Companies have to follow stricter rules
- Parents and kids can trust online platforms more
- The internet becomes a better place for families
Why This Matters Right Now
Governments around the world are taking strong steps. They're tired of waiting for tech companies to fix problems. They see kids getting hurt online. They see mental health issues rising. They see cyberbullying getting worse.
Greece decided to act first. Other countries are watching. If this works, more places will copy it.
Meta's support changes everything. When the biggest social media company says "yes, we need age checking," other companies listen. They know they'll have to follow the same rules soon.
What Comes Next
The timeline is clear. Greece has their system working now. The European Commission wants their mini-wallet soon. The full EUDI Wallet comes in 2026.
But change is already happening. Meta also supports something called Digital Majority Age. This is another proposal from EU countries. It also aims to control kids' access to social media.
The pattern is obvious. More rules are coming. More protection is coming. More safety is coming.
My Take on This
I think Greece did something brave. They didn't wait for permission. They didn't wait for tech companies to volunteer. They built a solution and made it work.
Meta's support surprises me. But it makes sense. They see the writing on the wall. Governments will make rules with or without their help. It's better to cooperate than fight.
For parents, this is good news. You've been asking for these tools for years. Now you're getting them.
For kids, this might feel limiting at first. But protection isn't punishment. It's care.
The internet should be a place where families feel safe. Greece's Kids Wallet takes us one step closer to that goal. With Meta's support and Europe's backing, real change is finally happening.