OSLO: Norway announced on Friday that it plans to introduce legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with the bill expected to be presented to parliament by the end of 2026.
The proposed law would require technology companies to take responsibility for verifying users’ ages, marking a significant step in Europe’s growing efforts to regulate minors’ online activity.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move is aimed at protecting childhood from the increasing influence of digital platforms.“We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children,” he said in a statement. “Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens. This is an important measure to safeguard children’s digital lives.” Norway’s proposal follows a broader trend across Europe to limit children’s exposure to social media, inspired in part by a landmark decision by Australia, which implemented a world-first ban on under-16s using major platforms last December.
That ban includes platforms owned by Meta such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and X.Norwegian authorities have not yet specified which platforms would be covered under the proposed legislation.
