Norway to add ‘harmful’ gaming sites to under-16 social media ban

Norway’s government has announced plans to expand its proposed social media age restrictions to cover certain gaming and chat platforms deemed harmful to children under the age of 16.

The Norwegian government said on Monday, October 19, 2026, that it had revised its proposed legislation to target platforms whose design, features, or content could threaten children’s emotional and cognitive development, health, or safety.

Oslo, which is due to present the bill by the end of 2026, has revised its age-limit plans to cover what it called “harmful platforms”. 

Among the platforms expected to fall within the proposed restrictions are TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox, a popular online gaming platform that also allows users to communicate and interact with others.

“Today there are certain platforms that present themselves as games but in fact are full of features such as algorithmic recommendation systems and illegal advertising targeting children,” said Minister for Children and Families Lene Vagslid.

The age limit would apply until January 1 of the year in which the child turns 16.