English
A ban on social media use is coming. The proposal sparks controversy
Consultations conducted by two ministries generated significant interest – 8,166 responses were received. Fot. pixabay.com / filmbetrachterin / Pixabay License
The Norwegian government is considering introducing a ban on the use of social media. The aim of the new regulations is to protect children under the age of 15 from bullying, peer pressure, and the influence of algorithms that collect user data.
One of the main issues with the proposal is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes social media. Experts point out that in today’s digital reality, the boundaries between media and private communication have disappeared. It is difficult to determine whether the ban would cover only apps like TikTok and Instagram, or also messaging apps, online games, and school chats.
Many platforms combine social, educational, and communication functions, which further complicates the introduction of such a law. In practice, this could mean banning almost all digital communication for children.
Many platforms combine social, educational, and communication functions, which further complicates the introduction of such a law. In practice, this could mean banning almost all digital communication for children.
Digital control or child protection?
The second challenge is the issue of enforcing the regulations. To verify users’ ages, the state or platforms would have to introduce a digital identification system. Such a solution would mean collecting personal data from all users, regardless of age.
Critics warn that this could lead to mass surveillance and privacy violations. Age verification, though seemingly harmless, would require the creation of systems tracking online activity.
Critics warn that this could lead to mass surveillance and privacy violations. Age verification, though seemingly harmless, would require the creation of systems tracking online activity.
72% of 9-12-year-olds use social media, according to the 2024 Children and Media survey conducted by the Norwegian Media Authority.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Education instead of bans
The government wants to protect the youngest, but experts point to the need to look for other solutions. Instead of introducing bans, they propose media education and supporting digital skills among children and parents.
Children need to learn how to use the internet safely, rather than being protected by regulations that are difficult to enforce. Otherwise, society may face a dilemma between safety and digital freedom—and a loss of trust in laws that cannot be enforced, specialists summarize.
Children need to learn how to use the internet safely, rather than being protected by regulations that are difficult to enforce. Otherwise, society may face a dilemma between safety and digital freedom—and a loss of trust in laws that cannot be enforced, specialists summarize.
Dodaj komentarz
Wyślij