Norway Aims to Prohibit Social Media Access for Kids Under 16

On Friday, Norway announced plans to introduce a bill in parliament by the end of the year that would prohibit children from accessing social media until they reach 16, placing the responsibility for age verification on technology companies.

Many European countries are looking to limit children’s social media usage, following Australia’s pioneering ban on users under 16 implemented last December.

“We are enacting this legislation because we desire a childhood where kids can truly be kids,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere stated.
“Play, friendships, and daily life shouldn’t be overtaken by algorithms and screens. This measure is crucial for protecting children in their digital environments.”

The government did not specify which platforms would be included in the ban.

Australia’s restriction applies to Meta apps such as Instagram and Facebook, alongside TikTok, Snapchat, Google’s YouTube, and Elon Musk’s X, previously known as Twitter.

YouTube commented on Friday that it has spent over ten years ensuring children’s safety to provide age-appropriate experiences that also empower parents.

“This approach maintains learning opportunities for millions and prevents young people from being directed to less safe corners of the internet,” the company added.

Norway is set to present its bill in parliament by the close of 2026, as stated by the minority Labour government.