Norway is moving to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The government intends to introduce a bill this year that would enact this ban, making it the latest nation to consider such a measure. Technology firms are to bear the responsibility for confirming user ages.
The proposed legislation follows similar actions and discussions in other countries. Australia enacted a comparable ban for under-16s in December. Türkiye has also legislated, with its new laws extending to game software companies, and voted to ban under-15s from social media. Denmark has announced comparable intentions, while France has seen a parliamentary inquiry recommend a ban for those under 15. Spain is reportedly drafting legislation that would require parental consent for under-16s to access social media.
Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, stated, "Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use.” She also noted that companies must implement effective age verification and comply from the outset. The government has indicated that the responsibility for verifying users' ages will rest with the service providers.
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Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted that safeguarding children and young people is a paramount concern for the government. The government claims that the number of children using phones and social media has already decreased due to measures like national screen-time guidelines and recommendations for mobile-free schools.
This move by Norway contrasts with recent decisions in the United Kingdom, where lawmakers have rejected proposals to ban social media for under-16s. The specific social media applications targeted by Norway's proposed ban have not yet been disclosed.
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