Eight Nordic government leaders are behind a joint declaration aimed at strengthening protection of children and young people from the influence of tech giants. The declaration, called the "Marienborg-manifestet", is to be presented Tuesday at the Nordic Council of Ministers in Helsinki, Politiken reported, according to Berlingske.
According to the declaration, technology makes it harder for children and young people to concentrate, learn and thrive. The effort includes coordinating legislative proposals, exchanging ideas and standing together against the tech giants. "What is at stake is our children's learning, mental health, readiness to learn and development, and our democracy and our trusting society," the declaration says, according to Politiken.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) called protecting children and young people from the influence of tech companies one of the most important and urgent tasks. In an interview with Politiken, she said several other Nordic countries, including Denmark, are in full swing introducing tougher regulation. Work is also underway to introduce age limits for social media.
The manifesto states: "Childhood belongs to our children. Not the tech giants. Frederiksen described the initiative as "a culture war," Politiken reported. In Denmark, a majority in the Folketing has decided to introduce an age limit of 15 for social media. It is expected to take effect in Denmark on 1 July 2027.