Norway targets 'harmful' social media, games with under-16 ban

Oslo, Norway - Norway's planned ban on social media for children will encompass measures to target harmful platforms, the government announced on Monday, with messaging and gaming services such as Roblox, Snapchat, and TikTok among those affected. In April, the Nordic country stated its intention to present a bill in parliament by year-end, aimed at prohibiting children from using social media until they reach the age of 16, thereby holding technology companies accountable for age verification.

While the platforms were not specifically named at that time, several European nations are currently seeking to regulate children's social media usage following Australia's lead with the world's first ban on under-16s in December, which included apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

According to Norway's government, the proposed bill is designed to address the full spectrum of risks children encounter on social media, impacting a multitude of platforms. These risks include exposure to harmful content, addictive features, illegal marketing, and unwanted contact from strangers. Children and Families Minister Lene Vaagsli emphasized the bill's comprehensive approach, stating that it would affect many platforms, including those that present a variety of dangers to young users.