The Norwegian government confirmed on Monday (19) that its proposal for restrictions on digital platforms for under-16s could also affect gaming services, including Roblox. The measure will not be limited to traditional social networks and will take into account the risks associated with the features and content of each platform.
In an official statement, the government said that Roblox, TikTok and Snapchat are among the services it considers covered by the future legislation, taking into account their current characteristics.
The proposal seeks to restrict platforms that, according to the criteria defined by the government, may pose risks to the emotional or cognitive development or to the safety of children and adolescents. Among the problems identified are harmful content, mechanisms that encourage excessive use, illegal advertising and unwanted contact with strangers.
The Minister of Children and Families, Lene Vågslid, said that the legislation aims to protect children without eliminating their possibilities for participation and digital communication. According to her, the risk-based definition will also make it possible to reach games that have features similar to those of social networks.
Games and messaging services may remain accessible
The proposal does not establish a general ban on online games. Messaging services and gaming platforms considered harmless may remain available to younger users.
The categorization will depend on the characteristics of each service, and not only on its classification as a game, messaging app or social network. The government also intends to allow the criteria to keep pace with changes in the features of these platforms.
Covered companies will have to implement effective age verification mechanisms, respecting personal data protection requirements.
The government intends to present the bill to the Norwegian Parliament by the end of 2026. The legislation has not yet been approved and no restriction resulting from this proposal is in force.
