The Norwegian government wants computer games and messaging platforms that may be harmful to children to be subject to the same age restrictions as social media.
In a press release, the government said it was revising and clarifying a proposed law that would set the minimum age for social media users at 16. The new rules would also cover certain gaming platforms.
“Some platforms today look like games, but are in fact packed with features such as algorithms that control what content users see, as well as illegal marketing aimed at children. We therefore want these platforms to be covered by the rules too,” Children and Families Minister Lene Vågslid of the Labour Party told NRK.
Roblox and Snapchat
Under the current draft, the legislation would cover platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox, according to the government.
“Children’s safety must come first. The Labour government’s work on legislation setting a minimum age for social media use is nearing completion. We are clarifying the rules to provide more effective protection for children and young people, while safeguarding their right to participate in social life,” Vågslid said in the press release.
The government defines harmful social media as platforms whose design, features or content pose a risk to children’s emotional, cognitive or physical health, or threaten their safety.
Vågslid said the proposed age limit of 16 could also apply to YouTube.
Age verification
The restriction would apply until 1 January of the year in which a person turns 16. Companies would be responsible for implementing effective age-verification systems that also protect users’ privacy.
According to Vågslid, children under 16 would still be able to communicate with one another online after the law comes into force. However, the minister declined to specify which digital platforms they would be legally allowed to use.
The government plans to submit the bill to the Norwegian parliament by the end of this year. The legislation is expected to come into force next year.
(© NTB)