Norway’s government said on ​Friday it will propose ‌a ban on the use of social media for ​children under the age ​of 16, and will make technology ⁠companies responsible for age ​verification of young users.

“We are ​introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children ​get to be children,” ​Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said ‌in ⁠a statement.

“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,” Stoere ​said.

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