Norway to extend proposed under-16 social media ban to online games and messaging apps
Online games and messaging services were initially expected to receive broad exemptions, but the government has now decided to assess platforms based on their potential risks to children.
Published on 19/10/2026 - 16:27 GMT+2
Norway is set to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, with the government announcing on Monday that it is finalising legislation to be submitted to parliament by the end of the year.
The proposed restrictions will also cover potentially harmful online games and messaging services, beyond conventional social media platforms, the government said in a statement.
TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox, a popular online gaming platform where users can create and play games while interacting with others, would likely fall under the proposed law.
"Children's safety must come first," said Lene Vågslid, Norway's minister for children and families, adding that the legislation was nearly complete.
The restrictions aim to protect children from harmful content, addictive features, illegal advertising and unwanted contact from strangers.
Online games and messaging services were initially expected to receive broad exemptions, but the government has now decided to assess platforms based on their potential risks to children.
This means services considered harmless, such as messaging apps used for school communication, could remain accessible.
Vågslid said the government was also safeguarding children's "right to participate," although Monday's announcement did not explain how this would be ensured under the proposed restrictions.
Technology companies would be responsible for verifying users' ages, with systems required to comply with European data protection rules.
Norway's centre-left Labour government published a draft bill in 2025 proposing a minimum social media age of 15 before revising the threshold to 16 in April this year. The legislation has since undergone public consultation in Norway and the European Economic Area (EEA).
Social media restrictions in Europe
Norway joins a growing number of European countries moving to restrict children's access to social media amid concerns about online safety and addiction.
Denmark has adopted similar restrictions, while Spain is pursuing a ban for pupils under 16.
In September, France attempted to ban social media for children under 15, but its Constitutional Council struck it down over freedom of expression concerns.
At the European Union level, the European Commission proposed the EU Kids Act in September, which would also introduce age-based restrictions on social media, online games and other digital services.
