Greece is advancing a plan to end anonymous social media accounts by requiring platforms to link profiles to verified real identities. The Greek government says the move aims to curb online toxicity, hate speech, coordinated harassment, and political manipulation.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou is leading the initiative, while the office of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is handling the issue at the highest level of government. The debate comes as Greece heads toward national elections in early 2027, with political campaigning already intensifying.
A push for accountability on anonymous social media
According to Papastergiou, anonymous accounts have become a central driver of abusive behavior on digital platforms, as they allow users to target others without consequences. “The major problem behind anonymity is toxicity. Anyone can smear an individual and carry out character assassination without facing any consequences,” he said.
Moreover, Greek officials argue that fake news, threats, hate speech, and coordinated attacks from anonymous profiles increasingly shape online political debate. In several cases, authorities have struggled to identify users accused of illegal online activity.
Ancient democracy as a model
Papastergiou linked the proposal to Greece’s democratic tradition, arguing that public debate should remain open and accountable. “In ancient Greece, citizens expressed their opinions openly and by name. This principle should inspire our digital democracy today,” he said during remarks to Euractiv on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum.
At the same time, the government says freedom of expression should remain protected but not serve as a shield for abuse, defamation, or political manipulation.
Pseudonyms may remain but with verification
The plan would not necessarily ban pseudonyms. Pavlos Marinakis, the Greek government’s spokesman, has clarified that users may still appear online under a chosen name as long as each account links back to a verifiable real identity behind the scenes.
Under the proposal, platforms would need to introduce identity verification systems. However, the government has not yet presented a detailed technical framework.
Papastergiou said there are “many technical ways” to implement such requirements. He also acknowledged that major platforms may resist changes that could affect business models built around large numbers of anonymous or multiple accounts.
Rights concerns and legal questions
The proposal faces major questions over feasibility, enforcement, and compatibility with digital rights protections.
However, critics, including digital rights advocates, warn that limiting anonymity could harm users who rely on it for safety, political speech, or protection from harassment. Therefore, the government will need to introduce accountability without discouraging legitimate expression.
The priority is to protect democratic debate, Papastergiou has assured. “We must do what we are committed to: safeguarding democracy and fostering a public sphere free from toxicity,” he maintained.
Greece looks to the EU on anonymous social media rules
Greek officials have indicated that a European Union-level framework may work better than national action alone, especially because major platforms operate across multiple jurisdictions. In addition, Papastergiou suggested that coordinated EU regulation could create a more consistent and enforceable identity verification system across member states.
The debate also comes amid wider EU discussions on social media regulation and online safety, including measures to protect minors. Greek officials have previously supported stricter rules, including a potential ban on social media use for children under fifteen.
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