OSLO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian government said Friday it plans to submit a bill to parliament this year to introduce an age limit for children using social media.
Under the proposed legislation, children would be allowed to use social media from Jan. 1 of the year they turn 16, the government said in a press release. Technology companies would be responsible for verifying the age of young users when they log in.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the government plans to submit the bill before the end of the year, adding that the legislation is aimed at safeguarding children's digital lives.
"We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children," Store said. "Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens."
The government said the proposal followed a consultation last year on social media age limits. In response to comments that children in the same age cohort should be treated equally, the proposed cutoff would be based on the year of birth rather than the exact date of birth. This means entire school cohorts would gain access at the same time, and students would be at least 15 years old when access is granted.
Minister for Children and Families Lene Vagslid said it was important both to better protect children in the digital world and to listen to young people, noting that social media can be an important social arena.
Minister of Digitalization and Public Governance Karianne Tung said technology companies should ensure that the age limit is respected.
"Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use," Tung said, adding that companies providing such services must implement effective age verification and comply with the law from day one.
Norway is among the first countries in Europe to present legislation introducing an age limit for social media, the government said, adding that several European countries, including France, Denmark, Spain and Portugal, are considering similar models. ■