Yes, unlocking phones is legal in Greece under specific conditions, as the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) permits it to promote consumer choice and market competition. However, unlocking must not violate carrier agreements or involve circumvention of digital rights management systems.
Key Regulations for Unlocking Phones in Greece
- Carrier Consent Required: Unlocking is permitted only after contract termination or with explicit written consent from the mobile network operator (MNO), as per HCC guidelines issued in 2023.
- No SIM Lock Bypass for Theft: Unlocking a phone reported as stolen or involved in fraudulent activity constitutes a criminal offense under Greek Penal Code Article 386, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
- EU Digital Markets Act Compliance: Since Greece’s transposition of the EU DMA in 2024, MNOs must provide unlocking services free of charge within 30 days of request, aligning with broader EU digital sovereignty directives.
Unlocking for third-party software modifications (e.g., jailbreaking) remains legally ambiguous under Greek copyright law, as the HCC has not issued binding precedents on such cases. Consumers should retain unlocking documentation to avoid disputes with MNOs or law enforcement.