Greece debuts app to monitor kids' online activities and age verification

Greece has recently taken significant steps in safeguarding children's online interactions by launching a mobile application purposefully designed for parents. This initiative was unveiled on a Monday in Athens and aims to provide parents with tools to monitor their children's browsing activities and verify their ages on digital platforms. Known as 'Kids Wallet,' the application is now accessible on both iOS and Android devices and was introduced against the backdrop of growing concerns regarding children's exposure to inappropriate content online. The app is integrated with Greece's national government services platform, facilitating effortless connectivity for users. This launch aligns with a larger European Union initiative targeting the standardization of age verification across member states, illustrating Greece's commitment to digital protection standards. The Digital Governance Minister, Dimitris Papastergiou, remarked on the app’s necessity for confirming children's ages as they navigate social media. Notably, Greece has opted for a voluntary adoption of the app rather than making it mandatory, a contrast to the stricter regulations imposed by other European nations. This decision underscores Greece’s approach to empowering parents with robust monitoring capabilities while fostering a collaborative environment among digital platforms, inviting their participation in ensuring the safety of young internet users. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed support for this endeavor, emphasizing the critical role of technology and its impact on family interactions, especially noting the concerning tendency for families to engage with their devices rather than communicate with one another in social settings. Additionally, a survey conducted by KMOP revealed that a significant proportion of children aged 9-12 within Greece are accessing the internet, with more than half using social media daily. This alarming trend has prompted government action, particularly to address the issue of children encountering inappropriate content online. The app's introduction is part of a broader initiative by the Greek government to address youth violence and strengthens their commitment to creating a safer online environment for minors. Overall, the launch of the Kids Wallet app signifies a substantial effort by Greece to navigate the challenges brought by digital advancements while prioritizing child welfare, further emphasizing the importance of strategies that engage both authorities and families in collective efforts to safeguard the younger generation.