Denmark Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s in World-Leading Digital Crackdown

The Danish government has announced that members of parliament across the political spectrum have reached an agreement to introduce legislation banning anyone under the age of 15 from using social media, a move described as potentially among the strictest worldwide for protecting young users. According to AP News, if implemented, the measure would rank among the strictest efforts worldwide aimed at protecting young users from the potential harms of social media.

In a statement, the Ministry of Digitalization declared that “Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present,” and that Danish authorities are “finally drawing a line in the sand and setting a clear direction,” as stated by Minister for Digitalization Caroline Stage.

The government has yet to clarify crucial details, including which platforms would fall under the ban and how the age restriction would be enforced in practice. The article also notes that Australia plans a nationwide ban taking effect this December, with even stricter standards for those under 16, though specifics on verification have sparked privacy debates.