Norway Targets 'Harmful' Social Media, Games with Under-16 Ban
Tech companies would have to verify ages and remove harmful features as Norway targets risks from addictive content and unwanted contact.
- On Monday, Norway expanded its planned social media ban for children under 16 to include gaming and chat platforms, specifically naming Roblox Corporation, TikTok, and Snap Inc as covered by the law.
- Families Minister Lene Vaagslid explained that platforms 'by their design, features or content pose a risk' to children's emotional, cognitive or physical development, citing algorithmic recommendation systems and illegal advertising targeting minors.
- Technology companies must implement age-verification systems and receive incentives to remove addictive features or harmful content; the targeted firms Roblox, TikTok, and Snap did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- As the Labour government holds a minority in parliament, the bill must secure support from other political parties to be adopted by the end of 2026; children retain access to messaging services and games deemed harmless.
- Following Australia's ban last year on social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the European Union plans a tiered approach to youth digital restrictions, positioning Norway within a broader global regulatory shift.
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83 Articles
Norway is about to make a major decision, banning social media and games for children under the age of 16. This includes the names of several popular social media platforms and games.
Norway is set to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, with the government announcing on Monday that it is finalizing legislation to be presented to parliament by the end of the year. The proposed restrictions would also cover potentially harmful online games and messaging services, beyond conventional social media platforms, the government said in a statement. TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox, a popular online gaming platform where use…
Norway is preparing to extend the ban on access to social networks for children under 16 years of age, so that restrictions can also target certain online games and messaging applications. The government announced on Monday that the draft law is nearing completion and is due to be transmitted to Parliament by the end of the year.
Norway is preparing a law to prevent children under the age of 16 from using social networks, with the government announcing that it is finalising the legislative proposal for submission to Parliament by the end of 2026.
Initially, online games and messaging services were going to benefit from wide exceptions, but the government has now decided to evaluate platforms according to the risks they can represent for children,...
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