Norway to expand under-16 social media ban to include online gaming platforms

OPA WIRE, Oct 19 (OPA) — The Norwegian government confirmed Monday that its upcoming legislative package will extend beyond traditional social media to include online games and messaging services. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox are expected to fall under the scope of the new law, which aims to mitigate risks associated with addictive features, illegal advertising, and unwanted contact from strangers.

Minister for Children and Families Lene Vågslid stated that the legislation is nearing completion. "Children's safety must come first," Vågslid said. While officials initially considered broad exemptions for messaging and gaming, the government has shifted toward a risk-based assessment model. Services deemed harmless, such as messaging applications utilized for school-related communication, may remain accessible under the final rules.

Technology companies will be tasked with implementing age-verification systems that comply with existing European data protection regulations. The Labour government previously proposed a 15-year age limit in 2025 before increasing the threshold to 16 in April. The draft has since undergone public consultation across Norway and the European Economic Area to address potential implementation hurdles.

Norway’s move aligns with a broader European trend toward stricter digital oversight for minors. Denmark has implemented similar measures, while Spain is currently pursuing a ban for students under 16. Although the European Commission proposed the EU Kids Act to standardize age-based restrictions, individual nations continue to navigate legal challenges, such as the French Constitutional Council’s 2025 decision to strike down a similar proposal on freedom of expression grounds.