MANILA, Philippines – The government of Greece is considering a proposal to restrict anonymity on social media, a move that has ignited debate over privacy, free expression, and digital accountability as the country prepares for national elections in 2027.
Under the plan, users of major social media platforms would be required to verify their real identities when creating or maintaining accounts.
As reported first by Euractiv, the idea has reportedly been circulating for months and is now being handled at the highest levels of government, including the office of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Officials argue that anonymity has allowed individuals to evade responsibility for harmful content, particularly as online political discussions increasingly involve harassment, misinformation, threats, and hate speech. In several cases, law enforcement has struggled to identify users behind illegal online activity.
Concerns over online toxicity
Authorities claim that anonymous accounts contribute to coordinated harassment, fake news, and even the promotion of certain political figures.
“The major problem behind anonymity is toxicity – anyone, especially on social media, can smear an individual and carry out character assassination without facing any consequences,” the Digital Minister said. He added that platforms should be required to verify identities, noting that “there are many technical ways to achieve this.”
Online safety crackdown in the Philippine context
As of early 2026, the Philippines has strengthened regulations limiting online anonymity, requiring users to link real-world identities to their digital activities in efforts to curb cybercrime, scams, and misinformation.
Authorities are also pushing stricter rules on minors’ access to social media and online platforms, including tighter age verification and parental controls to reduce exposure to harmful content and unsafe online interactions.
The online gaming platform Roblox, for example, is under increased scrutiny following reports of unsafe interactions involving children.
Proposed measures include stricter age-based restrictions, improved chat moderation, and possible identity or age verification requirements.
Messaging app Telegram has also been flagged in discussions due to concerns that anonymous communication features may be used for scams and illegal activities, prompting talks of tighter regulation or possible restrictions.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen online child safety, but they continue to raise concerns over privacy, digital freedom, and the feasibility of strict enforcement. (By Rich Longakit, INQUIRER.net Intern)