Norway is tightening its digital rules for minors. On Monday, the government in Oslo announced that the existing under-16 ban on social media will be extended to include online games, a move aimed at curbing what officials describe as aggressive data collection and manipulative design in the gaming industry.
The announcement, made by Children and Families Minister Kjersti Toppe, follows a 2025 law that set a minimum age of 15 for social media platforms. That legislation, which required users to verify their age, was widely supported by Norwegian parents. Now, the same logic is being applied to games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, which are popular among younger children.
“Games are not neutral playgrounds. They are engineered to keep children engaged for as long as possible, often collecting personal data along the way,” Toppe said at a press conference in the capital. “We have a responsibility to protect children from commercial interests that do not have their best interests at heart.”
What the new rules will mean
The extended ban will require gaming platforms to verify the age of users in Norway and to block those under 16 unless they have explicit parental consent. The rules will apply to games that feature online interaction, in-game purchases, or targeted advertising. Offline games, such as single-player puzzle titles, will be exempt.
The government plans to phase in the measure, with full enforcement expected by 2028. Tech companies that fail to comply could face fines similar to those under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which already imposes penalties for non-compliance with age-verification rules.
Norway is not an EU member, but it often aligns its digital policies with Brussels. The move comes as the European Commission pushes for stricter enforcement of online safety rules for minors, including a proposed EU-wide ban on addictive design features. Earlier this year, the Commission opened proceedings against several platforms under the DSA, and the EU’s broader digital agenda continues to shape national policies across the continent.
Mixed reactions from parents and industry
The announcement has been met with cautious approval from parent groups, who have long complained about the difficulty of monitoring children’s gaming habits. “Many parents feel powerless. This gives us a legal tool,” said Ingrid Solberg, a mother of two from Bergen. “But we also need to teach our children about digital literacy. A ban alone won’t solve everything.”
The gaming industry, however, has pushed back. The Norwegian branch of the Association for Interactive Entertainment argued that the measure is too broad and could harm the social benefits of gaming. “Games are a way for young people to connect, especially in rural areas. A blanket ban risks isolating them,” said a spokesperson. The industry has called for more dialogue and for a focus on parental controls rather than outright restrictions.
Some legal experts have also raised questions about enforcement. Age verification is notoriously difficult, and VPNs can easily bypass geographic restrictions. “The government is setting a strong principle, but the practical implementation will be challenging,” said Anna Lindgren, a digital rights lawyer at the University of Oslo. “We need to see how they will actually verify ages without compromising privacy.”
The move is part of a broader Nordic trend. Denmark and Sweden have introduced similar restrictions on social media, and Finland is considering legislation. Norway’s decision to include games is seen as a pioneering step, and other countries may follow.
For now, Norwegian children under 16 will have to wait a little longer before they can freely explore the worlds of their favorite online games. The government says it will work with tech companies to develop age-verification tools that are both effective and privacy-friendly. As Toppe put it, “We are not against gaming. We are against exploitation.”
