Speaking during a discussion at the Athens Alitheia Forum, Mitsotakis said the government is finalizing its proposals and plans to present decisions within the coming month, ensuring they comply with European regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act.
“We will soon announce our final decisions regarding restrictions on access to specific social media platforms for children under 15,” the prime minister said, noting that the government wants to ensure the measures are practical and fully aligned with European law.
Concern Over Disinformation and Social Media Impact
During the discussion, Mitsotakis also addressed the growing influence of fake news and disinformation, noting that modern technology enables their rapid spread online.
“Fake news has always existed, but what has changed is the speed with which it spreads,” he said, warning that emotionally charged content often spreads faster and can be amplified further by artificial intelligence technologies.
The prime minister stressed the importance of independent media and responsible information in combating misinformation in the digital age.
Personal Experience With Fake News
Mitsotakis also referenced past cases where false information targeted him and his family.
He recalled an incident from 1985 involving his father, former Greek prime minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis, when a newspaper falsely labeled him a “Nazi collaborator.”
“The photo was real, but the headline and the story were fake,” he said, noting that such misinformation had a significant impact during a political campaign.
He also referred to recent online attacks targeting his daughter, explaining that taking legal action against websites spreading false claims is often difficult due to anonymous accounts and servers located abroad.
The Challenge of Online Anonymity
The prime minister emphasized that internet anonymity presents a major challenge when addressing misinformation.
He said governments must find ways to distinguish between legitimate anonymous speech and coordinated networks of fake accounts designed to manipulate public opinion.
“We need tools to identify organized disinformation campaigns, especially when they originate from abroad,” Mitsotakis said, adding that such activities can pose a national security concern.
He pointed to the public debate surrounding the Tempi train disaster as an example where misleading or false information circulated widely online.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Information
Mitsotakis also warned that artificial intelligence could further complicate the fight against misinformation, noting that technology can now generate highly convincing fake videos.
“At some point, we may not know whether what we are seeing is real or a product of artificial intelligence,” he said.
At the same time, he highlighted the positive uses of AI in education, such as reducing teachers’ administrative burdens and providing new digital learning tools.
However, he cautioned that overreliance on AI could discourage students from developing essential skills such as writing and critical thinking.
Education and Awareness
Concluding his remarks, Mitsotakis stressed the need for greater public awareness when consuming information online.
“If something seems extreme or strange, it is worth checking it twice,” he said, adding that younger generations may actually be better equipped to identify fake content because they are more familiar with digital tools.
The government’s upcoming proposals on social media restrictions for minors are expected to form part of broader efforts to address the challenges posed by the digital information environment.
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