Key facts
- Sweden proposes a minimum age of 15 for social media use.
- A government-commissioned report made the recommendation.
- Platform companies would be responsible for age verification.
- Several European nations are considering similar measures.
- Australia previously banned under-16s from social media.
Sweden is considering a new regulation that would set a minimum age of 15 for social media usage, according to a recommendation from a government-appointed commission. This proposal aligns with a broader trend in Europe and globally, where countries are increasingly looking to regulate children's access to social media platforms. The commission suggests that social media companies should bear the responsibility for verifying users' ages. This move comes as Sweden also considers lowering the age of criminal responsibility, indicating a broader governmental focus on child welfare and protection.