The Greek government recently revealed a comprehensive plan to tackle internet addiction among young people, with an emphasis on enhancing parental controls and creating safer online environments for minors. A key component of this initiative is the launch of a government-operated app called Kids Wallet, set to debut in March 2025.
The Kids Wallet app is designed to protect children under 15 from excessive internet use and exposure to inappropriate content. It will utilize advanced algorithms to monitor usage patterns and employ strict authentication processes to ensure the safety of its young users. The app aims to simplify parental control while serving as a national tool for verifying the age of users.
Officials indicated that the app will function alongside an already existing digital services platform, widely used for purposes like storing digital identification documents. The government hopes to make the app a default feature on smartphones sold in Greece by the end of 2025, signaling its intent to integrate the program into the daily lives of families.
The digital governance minister explained that the app would ease the burden on parents by providing an intuitive tool for monitoring their children’s online activities. The application is expected to enable parents to set time limits, restrict access to certain types of content, and oversee overall internet use with minimal effort.
The government also plans to launch a dedicated website to help parents explore the range of existing control features that they can use to safeguard their children online. This website will provide resources and guidelines tailored to empower parents in their efforts to manage their children’s digital exposure effectively.
A core challenge the government seeks to address is ensuring accurate age verification in online spaces. Age verification is a recurring issue, with minors often bypassing age restrictions on various platforms. Officials noted that the new measures aim to address these discrepancies by implementing robust systems capable of differentiating between actual users and those providing false information.
The minister highlighted that the app’s integrated features would eliminate much of the ambiguity associated with age verification, ensuring a safer online experience for minors while reducing the risk of exploitation or exposure to harmful content.
While the initiative has drawn criticism from some groups concerned about privacy and potential government overreach, many Greeks view such digital services favorably. Over the past few years, government-operated apps have gained traction as effective tools for streamlining bureaucratic processes and enhancing public access to essential services. The new measures, officials suggested, represent an evolution of this approach, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the country’s youth.
In a broader context, these child protection measures extend beyond the existing regulations in several European countries by involving direct government intervention. This strategy underscores Greece’s commitment to tackling the pressing issue of internet addiction among its younger population while balancing innovation and parental involvement.
The app is part of an overarching strategy announced earlier in the week. This national plan aims to foster a safer and healthier online environment for young people by addressing the risks associated with unchecked internet use. The focus is not only on implementing technological solutions but also on raising awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of proactive digital parenting.
By combining advanced technology with education and outreach, the government seeks to create a holistic framework for protecting minors. Through the Kids Wallet app and associated initiatives, Greece aims to set a benchmark for digital child protection measures that other nations could emulate.
