Norway announced on Friday that it will introduce a bill this year, making it the latest nation attempting to outlaw social media for those under the age of sixteen. It also stated that tech companies will be responsible for verifying the age of their users.
"We want a childhood where kids can be kids, which is why we are bringing this legislation. In a statement, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said, "Algorithms and screens must not take over play, friendships, and everyday life."
"This is a crucial step to protect kids' online lives," he continued.
A digital age of the majority for social networks has already been announced by several European nations, including France, Spain, and Denmark, as well as by Australia and Turkey.
In mid-April, the European Commission unveiled an age-verification app that would soon be accessible to European residents, demonstrating its resolve to take action to safeguard children and adolescents.
"I anticipate that tech firms will make sure the age restriction is upheld. Karianne Tung, the Norwegian Minister of Digitalization and Public Governance, continued, "Kids cannot be left with the responsibility of avoiding platforms they are not allowed to use."
"The businesses offering these services bear that duty. They have to start adhering to the law and putting in place efficient age verification.
The government said that a number of initiatives it had already implemented, such as "national screen-time guidelines and recommendations for mobile-free schools," had reduced the number of kids using phones or accessing social media.
