Homo Digitalis is Greece’s first civil society organization dedicated to protection and promotion of digital rights. Founded in 2018, the organization combines awareness campaigns, policy engagement, and legal action to defend human rights in the digital era.
Between October 2024 and May 2025, Homo Digitalis visited more than 20 schools across Greece to discuss cybercrime and online identity theft. During these visits, we observed signs that some minors might be experimenting with deepfake applications to manipulate images of classmates. Over the past two years, similar incidents have also been reported in Greek media, suggesting that this may be part of a wider trend. In certain cases, what initially appeared as playful use seemed to carry the risk of escalating into situations of humiliation or even blackmail, raising concerns about the potential misuse of such technologies in school environments.
Deepfakes, synthetic or manipulated media generated with AI, pose unique challenges by creating convincing but false representations of individuals. Their harmful use among minors highlights a gap in awareness, accountability, and legal enforcement. Deepfakes are not just a technical problem; they represent a societal challenge. When minors weaponize these tools, it reflects wider issues of digital ethics, peer pressure, and online safety. If left unchecked, misuse of synthetic media could undermine trust, dignity, and even democratic values.
Greece’s legal framework has evolved in recent years. Articles 337, 346, and 348a of the Criminal Code address violations of sexual dignity, non-consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material, and child exploitation material, with stricter penalties when minors are involved. More precisely:
- Article 337: Punishes the distribution of fabricated sexual content, with harsher penalties when minors, journalists, or human rights defenders are targeted.
- Article 346: Criminalizes the non-consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material, including fabricated images, with increased penalties if victims are minors or if content is shared online widely. Severe consequences apply if the victim attempts or commits suicide as a result.
- Article 348a: Defines and punishes the creation, possession, or distribution of real or virtual depictions of minors in sexual contexts, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
When perpetrators are under 12, no punishment is imposed under the Penal Code, though guardians may be held accountable. Young offenders aged 12–15 may face reformative or therapeutic measures, while those aged 15–18 can also be sentenced to juvenile detention in felony cases.
Despite these legal tools, significant gaps remain. Many cases go unreported, victims face social stigma, and enforcement is inconsistent. Moreover, technology evolves faster than the law, leaving young people vulnerable. Homo Digitalis argues that the fight against deepfake misuse must combine law with education. Empowering students with digital literacy is crucial, ensuring they understand both the risks and responsibilities that come with new technologies. At the same time, victims must have accessible avenues for reporting and support, while perpetrators should face proportionate consequences.
By bringing these issues to light through school programs and advocacy, Homo Digitalis seeks to build resilience against digital threats. Its work illustrates the vital role of civil society in bridging the gap between rapid technological change and the slower pace of policy and legal adaptation.
Eleftherios Chelioudakis