Norway Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s, Targets Tech Firms Over Age Verification

Norway is pushing ahead with a new law that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, placing direct responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification measures.

The proposal, expected to be presented to parliament later this year, is part of a wider European push to regulate children’s exposure to digital platforms and reduce the influence of algorithm-driven content on young users.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the move is aimed at restoring balance to childhood development, stressing that children should not be overwhelmed by screens and online algorithms.

“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,” Store said in a statement.

The policy shift places Norway among a growing list of countries tightening rules around children’s access to social media. France, Spain, and Denmark have all announced plans for similar restrictions, while Australia and Türkiye have already implemented comparable measures.

At the European level, the European Commission has also stepped into the debate, recently unveiling an age-verification application designed to help enforce digital age limits across member states.

Norwegian Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung emphasised that enforcement responsibility will rest squarely on tech companies, warning that platforms must comply from the outset.

“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,” Tung said.

She added that digital platforms must implement effective verification systems to ensure compliance, stressing that regulatory enforcement will not be optional.

Norwegian authorities say early interventions are already showing results, citing a decline in children’s social media use following measures such as national screen-time guidelines and mobile-free school policies.

The proposed law signals a broader shift in Europe toward stricter digital governance, as governments respond to growing concerns over mental health, screen addiction, and online safety among minors.