The bill is due in parliament by the end of 2026 and puts age checks on tech firms
The Norway under-16 social media ban, announced on 19 October, will cover harmful online games and messaging services. TF explains the scope, the age checks and Europe’s context.
What’s Happening & Why It Matters
The Wider Scope
The Norwegian government is finalising a bill to ban social media for children under 16 (U16), Euronews reports. The restrictions will extend to harmful online games and messaging services. TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox are expected to fall under the law.
The government plans to submit the bill to parliament by the end of 2026. Children and families minister Lene Vågslid says “Children’s safety must come first.” She describes the legislation as close to complete.
A Risk-Based Test
Platforms will face assessment by their risks to children. Wide exemptions, which ministers first expected, are off the table. Harmless services, such as school messaging apps, could stay open to U16s.
The goals are to protect children from harmful content, addictive features, illegal advertising and contact from strangers. The government says the bill will safeguard children’s right to participate. The announcement did not explain how.
Who Checks the Age
Tech companies would hold responsibility for verifying users’ ages. The systems must comply with European data protection rules. The reports give no detail on penalties or the technology.
Labour’s draft bill in 2025 proposed a minimum age of 15. The government raised the limit to 16 in April 2026. The draft has since gone through public consultation in Norway and the European Economic Area.
Europe’s Picture
Denmark has adopted similar restrictions, and Spain is pursuing a ban for pupils U16. France’s Constitutional Council struck down a ban for under-15s (U15s) in September 2026, citing freedom of expression. The European Commission proposed the EU Kids Act in September. The act would set age-based limits on social media, online games and other digital services.
TF covered US action over AI harm to children in 8 US States Accuse OpenAI of Coaching Self-Harm. Regulators in Europe and the US are targeting the same child safety risks.
My take: Extending the ban to games and messaging closes a gap in earlier bans. Children spend hours in Roblox and group chats as well as feeds. Age verification is the test of the bill. Norway must set privacy-safe checks, or children will find workarounds.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Norway will table the bill before parliament by the end of 2026. Lawmakers have to define which games and messaging apps count as harmful. Platforms will lobby for exemptions and clear age-check standards. The EU Kids Act will set the shared rules for the wider bloc.
MY FORECAST: Norway’s parliament will pass the bill in 2027. Roblox and Snapchat will announce new age checks for Norway. At least one more European country will extend its ban to games. Teenagers will find workarounds within weeks of the law.
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