The Norwegian government announced on Monday its intention to include several gaming and social networking platforms in its proposed ban on people under 16.
Oslo, which is expected to present a bill on the issue by the end of the year, revised the proposed age limit to now target “harmful platforms”.
As the government emphasizes in its announcement, “harmful” are considered platforms or networks that, through their design, features, or content, endanger the emotional, cognitive, or developmental health of children or their safety.
In their current form, TikTok, Snapchat and the gaming platform Roblox would fall within the scope of the law, he explained.
“Currently there are several platforms that present themselves as games, but in reality they are filled with features such as algorithmic recommendation systems and illegal advertising aimed at children,” explained the Minister for Children and Family.
“That’s why we want them to be involved,” she added. The age limit will apply until January 1 of the year the child turns 16.
It is up to the platforms involved to implement age verification systems. As the Labour government is in a minority, the bill needs the support of other political parties to pass.
Australia last year introduced legislation banning people under 16 from accessing a range of social media platforms, while the European Union plans to adopt “phased” restrictions, with age-based levels.