United Kingdom, April 24 -- The Norwegian government is planning to ban social media for under-16s.

The Scandinavian nation's minority Labour government aims to stop children having their lives "taken over by algorithms and screens" and will ensure that technology companies take responsibility for the age verification of their younger users.

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children.

"Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.

"This is an important measure to safeguard children's digital lives."

The bill will be introduced to parliament by the end of 2026, the government added.

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