Sweden Considers Social Media Restrictions Amid Gang Violence

Sweden is facing a significant rise in childhood gang activity, prompting government ministers to contemplate imposing age restrictions on social media platforms if tech companies fail to curb gang recruitment. In the first seven months of 2024, 93 children under 15 have been linked to murder planning, a threefold increase from the previous year, as gangs use social media as 'digital marketplaces' to recruit minors for violent crimes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasized the seriousness of the situation after discussions with Nordic counterparts and representatives from major social media companies, who have pledged to take action. Sweden currently leads Europe in deadly shootings per capita, necessitating urgent measures to protect youth from exploitation. This potential policy draws inspiration from Australia's recent ban on social media access for children under 16, which aims to safeguard mental health and reduce online risks. If results from tech companies remain unsatisfactory, the Swedish government is prepared to implement stricter regulations.