Norway plans to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms deemed harmful, including TikTok, Snapchat and Roblox. The government announced the planned restrictions on Monday as part of efforts to protect children online.
The Nordic country said in April it would present a bill to parliament by the end of 2026. Under the proposal, technology companies would become responsible for verifying users’ ages.
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The government said the legislation would address several risks children face online. These include harmful content, addictive features, illegal marketing and unwanted contact from strangers.
Children and Families Minister Lene Vaagslid said the proposal would encourage technology companies to remove harmful content and addictive features. The government expects the law to cover platforms such as TikTok, Roblox and Snapchat.
The ministry defined harmful platforms as services whose design, features or content threaten children’s emotional, cognitive or physical development or safety. However, officials have not confirmed which other applications would fall under the proposed restrictions.
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The planned ban follows growing efforts across Europe to limit children’s social media use. Australia introduced the world’s first ban on social media for under-16s in December 2025, covering platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.
Snap Inc, Roblox Corporation and TikTok owner ByteDance did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Norway’s government said children would retain access to messaging services and games considered harmless. The proposal aims to strengthen online protections while allowing access to services that do not pose significant risks.