Norway Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Norway's government announced on Friday plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, placing the responsibility for age verification squarely on technology companies. The bill, set to be presented to parliament by the end of the year, aims to shield young users from the pervasive influence of digital algorithms and screens.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the measure as essential for preserving childhood. "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."

The proposal builds on a public consultation earlier this year, where the government initially considered a minimum age of 15 but raised it to 16 after reviewing more than 8,000 submissions. Officials cited growing evidence of social media's impact on mental health and development, as well as early data from similar restrictions abroad. Under the planned rules, platforms where users create profiles, connect with others, and share content without...