Greece Grapples with New ID Card Rollout Amidst Misinformation and Privacy Concerns
Athens, Greece – A wave of misinformation and public resistance is challenging the Greek government’s efforts to replace older identity cards with new, EU-compliant versions by August 2026. The rollout, mandated by EU Regulation 2019/1157, aims to enhance security and standardize identification documents across the bloc. However, false claims circulating on social media, coupled with privacy concerns, have fueled confusion and opposition among some segments of the population.
The new biometric ID cards, equipped with an electronic chip containing personal details, fingerprints, and a machine-readable zone (MRZ), have become a lightning rod for controversy. Misleading assertions that older ID cards "never expire" have proliferated online, despite Greek law and EU regulations clearly stipulating their invalidity after August 3, 2026. Viral social media posts have amplified these inaccuracies, with some users comparing resistance to the new IDs to opposition against COVID-19 vaccines. This digital misinformation campaign has complicated the government’s efforts to educate the public about the necessity and benefits of the updated identification system.
The heart of the controversy lies in the perceived tension between security enhancements and individual privacy. While the government emphasizes the importance of the MRZ and biometric data for combating identity theft and fraud, critics express concerns about potential government overreach and surveillance. The inclusion of a mandatory personal number, already used for public sector transactions, has further fueled these anxieties. Far-right political figures, including Kyriakos Velopoulos, leader of the Greek Solution party, have capitalized on these fears, characterizing the new IDs as instruments of "citizen surveillance" despite previous fact-checks debunking such claims.
The legal framework for the ID card transition is clear. Greek Law 3585 (2007) establishes a 15-year validity period for the older ID cards, which are now approaching their expiration date. Furthermore, the EU regulation mandates that all member states adopt the new, more secure ID card format by August 2026. Greece, having faced an EU warning in July 2023 for delays in implementation, accelerated its rollout of the new cards. The transition aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), promoting interoperability and enhanced security measures.
Despite the misinformation and public pushback, the government has made significant progress in the transition process. Over 1.2 million new ID cards were issued between September 2023 and December 2024, demonstrating a steady uptake. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sought to allay public fears, emphasizing that the cards do not contain surveillance technologies like hidden cameras or microphones. He has reiterated that the primary purpose of the new IDs is to enhance security and comply with EU regulations, not to infringe on citizens’ privacy.
The Greek government faces a complex challenge in navigating the transition to the new ID cards. Balancing the need for enhanced security with legitimate privacy concerns is crucial for ensuring public trust and a smooth implementation process. Combating misinformation effectively is paramount, requiring a coordinated effort involving government agencies, fact-checkers, and social media platforms. As the August 2026 deadline approaches, clear and consistent communication will be essential to address public anxieties and encourage widespread adoption of the new ID cards. The success of the transition will depend on the government’s ability to navigate these complex issues and effectively engage with a public grappling with misinformation and evolving privacy concerns in an increasingly digital age. The stakes are high, as the new ID cards represent not only a technical upgrade but also a significant shift in the relationship between the citizen and the state in the realm of personal identification and data security.