Norway removes exemptions for games and messaging apps from social media age limit bill

The Norwegian government has announced a revision to its proposed social media age limit, removing blanket exemptions that previously excluded video games and messaging services. Under the new proposal, any platform—regardless of its primary function—will be subject to restrictions if it is deemed to pose a risk to children. The government specifically highlighted platforms like TikTok, Roblox, and Snapchat as potential subjects for the regulation.

Authorities define "harmful" services as those whose features or content negatively impact a child's cognitive, emotional, or physical development. This risk-based model aims to capture social features within gaming environments that a rigid exemption list might have previously overlooked. The government plans to target issues such as addictive design, exposure to inappropriate content, and unwanted contact from strangers.

Enforcement will depend on Norway’s national implementation of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which is currently in the consultation phase. While Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen emphasized the urgency of the legislation, the proposal submitted to parliament by late 2026 remains incomplete. Key details regarding specific enforcement mechanisms, penalty structures, and the regulatory body responsible for risk assessments have yet to be disclosed.