Greek digital and higher education regulation and data challenges in an unstable ecosystem

This paper examines the regulatory framework governing digital education technology in Greece. Effective regulation should ensure compliance with key legal and ethical requirements related to digitization, including child protection, data security, and the impact of AI and algorithms. While the EU plays a coordinating role in shaping member states’ educational policies, it does not serve as a direct regulatory authority, as education remains the exclusive competence of individual states. Consequently, national frameworks align with domestic principles and objectives, provided they do not infringe upon rights guaranteed by EU law, particularly in the area of data protection. Greece’s regulatory landscape, however, remains fragmented and insufficient in ensuring a robust level of data security. In higher education, the State prioritizes institutional autonomy over the protection of individual rights. To address these challenges, Greece must establish a harmonized regulatory framework for digital education—one that safeguards all stakeholders while drawing on best practices from other countries. A key step toward this goal is the implementation of a unified educational platform across all levels of education. More broadly, the EU should also take steps toward fostering innovation and competitiveness while ensuring a standardized framework for user protection in digital education.