Norway wants to ban 'harmful' gaming platforms for under-16s

The Norwegian government announced this Monday (19) that it intends to include some games and messaging platforms in its project to ban social networks for children under 16.

Oslo, which is expected to present a bill on the topic by the end of the year, modified its proposal to include "harmful platforms".

Networks or platforms that, "due to their design, characteristics or content, represent a risk to the emotional, cognitive development or health of children, or to their safety" are considered "harmful", the government said in a statement.

Applications such as TikTok, Snapchat and the game Roblox, in their current state, are also expected to face restrictions.

"Today there are certain platforms that present themselves as games, but are actually full of features such as algorithmic recommendation systems and illegal advertising aimed at children," said Minister of Children and Families, Lene Vagslid.

"That's why we want them to be included too," he told public television channel NRK.

The age limit will be valid until January 1st of the year in which the child turns 16. Platforms must implement, on their own, an age verification system.

The Labor government has a minority in Parliament, which means it will need to obtain the support of other parties to pass the law.

Australia last year introduced legislation that prohibits minors under 16 from accessing certain social networks, while the European Union plans, in turn, to adopt "gradual" restrictions, with different levels depending on age.