Norway has announced plans to ra##ise the minimum age for social media use to 15, aiming to shield children from the negative impact of algorithms and prevent the collection of personal data by tech companies.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed that the new regulations will cover platforms like Netflix, extending the current age limit of 13, which aligns with the terms of services for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Despite the existing age restriction, the Norwegian Media Authority reports that more than half of nine-year-olds in the country use social media, often bypassing the rules.
“This sends a strong message—children must be protected from harmful content,” said Støre in an interview with local news outlet VG. He stressed that political action is crucial in the face of tech giants targeting young users.
Norwegian Families Minister Kjersti Toppe added, “Parents cannot fight tech companies alone, which is why stricter legislation is under consideration.”
The move aligns with broader European efforts to reduce screen addiction and combat cyberbullying. In France, 200 schools recently began trialing a “digital break” to ban phone use during school hours, with plans to expand the program nationwide by January.
In the UK, Ofcom has threatened to restrict social media access for under-18s unless tech companies comply with online safety regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful content. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has stated it already offers additional protections and parental controls for young users.
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