For the first time, Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) is speaking out about the controversial proposal for a ban on sharing pictures of one’s own children.
The proposal from the Left has caused a storm among Norwegian influencers. The party wants to ban parents from sharing pictures of their children online for commercial purposes.
– Headless, influencer Julianne Nygård, known as “Pilotfrue”, called it. However, the proposal has received strong support from influencers and bloggers such as Kristin Gjelsvik and Mads Hansen. The ban has also become the topic of Debate on NRK.
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The minister responsible for the field is clear that she believes parents should not publish personal information about children, including pictures, for commercial purposes online.
– It is a very important issue that is raised in the representative proposal. Children are vulnerable and have additional requirements for protection.
When Dagbladet asks the Minister for Children what she thinks about parents who share pictures of their children online to make money, the answer is crystal clear.
– I don’t think anything of it, and believe that it is healthy that there are reactions to it, Toppe replies.
The proposal for a ban has been put forward by the head of the family and culture committee Grunde Almeland, together with Liberal colleagues Abid Raja and Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik.
Party leader Guri Melby recently received harsh criticism for the Frp after she supported a ban. It happens at the same time that she diligently shares pictures of her own children on social media.
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The Minister for Children is also clear that stricter regulation is needed to protect children’s privacy. She points out that the government is already working on this as part of the work on a new Children’s Act.
– The question is not whether new and strengthened legal regulations on children’s privacy are needed, but how these should be arranged, says Toppe to Dagbladet.
The Minister for Children is more uncertain whether the Liberal Party’s proposal for a ban is the right way to solve the problem.
– A ban on commercial use could be a possibility, so I would not rule it out. But other ways of regulating this can also be thought of. In its report, the Children’s Law Committee has proposed new legal provisions to ensure children’s protection of their privacy and privacy and a duty for parents to take into account children’s right to privacy and privacy when they consent on behalf of children. My ministry is also going through the proposals from the Children’s Law Committee, says Toppe.
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She believes there are problems with introducing a pure statutory ban.
– A ban obviously interferes with parental responsibility, and the parents’ right to consent on behalf of the child. A prohibition line must preferably be followed up with possible reactions and punishment. It can also seem drastic, says Toppe.
At the same time, the Minister for Children is clear that the current regulations are not good enough.
– On the other hand, children’s right to privacy and personal protection is so important that I believe new regulations are absolutely needed. The child’s own opinion is also important here, and the age of the child. But my point of departure is that children have an independent right to personal protection and privacy which is not well enough secured in current laws.
The Liberal Party’s proposal will now be considered in the Storting, where Toppe will make his input. She is not yet sure what recommendations she will give.
– I welcome all political focus in this area. My ministry is now working on the new Children’s Act. I think it is natural that we see the proposals from the Left in the context of this work. It is the Storting that will deal with the representative proposal, and my ministry will inform the matter, together with others.
The man behind the proposal, Grunde Almeland (V), says he wishes Toppe was even clearer.
– I am happy that the minister is positive about looking into this, even if she has some reservations, says the committee leader.
