Norway plans bill to restrict social media access for minors
Norway has announced plans to introduce a bill that would ban social media use for those under 16. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized the importance of protecting children from excessive screen time and algorithm-driven content. The proposed law would require technology companies to verify users' ages and ensure compliance. Other European countries and regions have also taken steps to implement similar age restrictions.
What we know
- The Norwegian government will present a bill this year to ban social media for under-16s.
- Jonas Gahr Store said the move aims to protect childhood experiences from being dominated by screens and algorithms.
- Minister Karianne Tung stressed that technology companies, not children, must ensure age limits are respected.
- The European Commission recently introduced an age-verification app for European citizens.
- Norway has already seen a decline in children's phone and social media use due to measures like screen-time guidelines and mobile-free school recommendations.
