Norway proposes strict 16-year age limit for social media use

Norway’s government has proposed a new law banning all social media use for children under 16, a move welcomed by actor and mother Ane Dahl Torp, Dagbladet reports.

The proposed legislation, set to take effect in 2027 if approved, would prohibit platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for users under 16. The age restriction would apply from January 1 of the year a child turns 16, typically during their final year of lower secondary school.

“I’m so happy about this,” Dahl Torp told Dagbladet, adding that she looks forward to experiencing a year with a teenager free from social media. The actor has previously voiced concerns about children’s screen use, calling the current situation a “wild west” where tech companies operate without restraint, leaving children to pay the price.

The law would require tech companies to verify users’ ages upon login, with potential fines of up to 6 percent of global revenue for non-compliance. Platforms like YouTube, Reddit, X, and Threads would also fall under the restrictions, though the list remains open to adjustments.

Tonje Brenna, deputy leader of the Labour Party, said the measure aims to protect children and will “radically change daily life” for many families. “So many conflicts we face as parents revolve around screen time and app access,” she noted.

Digitalisation Minister Karianne Tung emphasised that companies—not children—must ensure compliance. “They must guarantee real age verification from day one,” she said.

The law would still allow minors to play video games, access information, and organise online, as the ban targets only platforms defined as “services enabling user profiles, connections, and public content sharing.”

Dahl Torp acknowledged counterarguments but insisted the benefits outweigh the risks. “The government is doing the right thing,” she said.