Norway has announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban access to social media platforms for users under the age of 16, making it one of the latest countries to move toward stricter digital age limits for children.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the proposed bill aims to ensure that childhood is not dominated by digital platforms:
We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children. Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.
The PM added that the measure is intended to protect children’s digital wellbeing, describing it as “an important measure to safeguard children’s digital lives.”
Under the proposed rules, technology companies would be required to implement effective age-verification systems and ensure compliance from the moment the law enters into force. Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung stressed that the responsibility would lie with platforms rather than users.:
I expect technology companies to ensure that the age limit is respected…. Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use. That responsibility rests with the companies providing these services.
The Norwegian government said the initiative builds on existing policies aimed at reducing children’s screen time, including national guidelines and restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. It follows Turkey’s parliament voting to restrict access to social media platforms for users under the age of 15.
