Norway’s government wants to widen its planned social media ban for children under 16. It now intends to cover gaming and chat sites it considers harmful.
The government announced the change on Monday. It plans to present the bill by the end of 2026.
Which Platforms Are Covered
Officials say a platform counts as harmful if its design, features or content put children at risk. That includes risks to their emotional or cognitive development, their health or their safety.
TikTok, Snapchat and the gaming platform Roblox would fall under the law.
Why Games Are Included
Minister for Children and Families Lene Vagslid explained the thinking to public broadcaster NRK. She said some platforms present themselves as games. In reality, she said, they are full of algorithmic recommendation systems and illegal advertising aimed at children.
“That is why we want them to be covered as well,” she said.
How the Rules Would Work
The age limit would apply until January 1 of the year a child turns 16. The platforms themselves would have to set up age-verification systems.
However, the bill is not guaranteed to pass. Norway’s Labour government holds a minority in parliament. It needs support from other parties to get the law adopted.
Other countries are moving in the same direction. Australia introduced a law last year barring under-16s from some social networks. The European Union plans a tiered approach, with restrictions based on age.
