The Government of Norway has announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, placing responsibility for enforcement on technology companies.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on Friday that the bill, expected later this year, is aimed at protecting children’s well-being in an increasingly digital world.
“We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children. Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens,” he said. “This is an important measure to safeguard children’s digital lives.”
Under the proposed law, social media companies would be required to implement strict age-verification systems to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. Authorities say the move shifts responsibility away from children and parents to the platforms themselves.
Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, emphasised that enforcement must be taken seriously.
Norway is a Scandinavian nation known for its dramatic fjords, glaciers, and mountainous terrain, offering world-renowned scenery like Geirangerfjord and the Northern Lights.
“I expect technology companies to ensure that the age limit is respected. Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use,” she said. “That responsibility rests with the companies providing these services. They must implement effective age verification and comply with the law from day one.”
The proposal aligns with a growing trend across Europe to regulate children’s access to social media. Countries such as France, Spain, and Denmark have signalled similar intentions to introduce a “digital age of majority,” while nations like Australia and Turkey have already moved ahead with comparable restrictions.
At the regional level, the European Commission has stepped up efforts to protect minors online, recently unveiling an age-verification application designed for wider rollout across Europe. The tool is expected to support member states in enforcing digital age limits and improving online safety standards.
Norwegian authorities say earlier measures—such as national screen-time guidelines and policies encouraging mobile-free schools—have already contributed to a decline in children’s social media use. Officials argue that the proposed legislation is a natural next step in strengthening digital safeguards.
Experts say the move could have broader implications for global tech regulation, particularly as governments increasingly demand accountability from platforms over user safety. However, questions remain about how effectively age verification can be implemented without compromising user privacy or creating loopholes that allow underage access.
