The Norwegian government remains keen on restricting social media for minors, banning it entirely for all those under age 16. Skeptics remain unconvinced, calling it a “drastic” measure with unknown effects.
“I’m convinced we’ll get this in place,” claims Lene Vågslid, Norway’s government minister in charge of children’s and family issues. “For me, it’s important to both protect children better in the digital world and listen to them.”
The proposed law will allow full social media access only from January 1st of the year a minor turns 16. Tech companies behind social media platforms will be held responsible for verifying the age of young users when they log in. Countries including Australia, however, have run into problems enforcing such a law, while some academics argue that social media have become part of the modern world and question whether children should be banned from it.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of the Labour Party claimed, however, that he’s proposing an age limit for social media “because we want children to be children. Playing and friendships must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.” He intends to put the proposed law out for hearing before the summer holidays.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
