Norway plans under-16 restrictions for harmful social media and games

Norway’s planned under-16 social-media ban will target platforms the government considers harmful, including TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox. Companies would be responsible for age verification when the bill reaches parliament by year-end.

Officials define harmful services by design, features or content that could risk children’s emotional, cognitive or physical safety. Concerns include addictive features, illegal marketing and unwanted contact.

The proposal is broader than an app list: messaging services and games could remain available if deemed harmless.

The final scope depends on the bill and parliamentary process; the named companies did not immediately comment to Reuters.

The proposal will test whether age checks can be applied consistently across social networks, games and messaging services without blocking legitimate access for older teenagers.

The plan still has to define enforcement, exemptions and the practical responsibilities of platforms in verifying a user’s age.

Image: Meta / Instagram.

Sources

• Reuters