Edited by Michelle Ho
Legislators in Norway’s Parliament have passed a new law stating that it is now required that influencers, content creators and advertisers label photoshopped or retouched photos. It will be in effect under supervision from Harald V, Norway’s current reigning monarch. This law (that won by a vote of 72-15) has been recognised under the new amendments of the country’s marketing act, in order to address the ever-increasing ‘body pressure in society’.
In this law, images shown in advertisements as well as those taken by celebrities or influencers must now include a label addressing whether or not the image was photoshopped in order for it to be presented to the public. The goal of laws like this is to point out small alterations, allowing those who wouldn't usually notice to realise these changes. In doing so, it would hopefully reduce the need for people to manipulate their images at all, after starting to feel more accepting towards their own bodies.
This issue had finally been addressed after multiple years of youth advocacy groups and Norway's Ministry of Children and Family Affairs voicing their growing concerns on the matter. Approximately 70,000 children and young people have mental health issues requiring treatment related to low self-esteem, body image, or otherwise. This is a rather significant number, given that Norway’s population reaches just around 5.4 million people (Digital Photography Review, 2021).
After Norway passed this law, many other countries have called for their governments to do the same. One mother from Watford, Hertfordshire started petitioning for a similar law in the UK, through the use of her #HonestyAboutEditing campaign. When asked why she was doing this she said, “Social media means our young people have a highlight reel of perceived perfection at their fingertips at a time when they should be building their confidence and resilience.” (Positive.News, 2021).
References
Eveleigh, R. (2021, October 11). Norway hopes to boost body image with retouching law.
Positive.News. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from
https://www.positive.news/society/media/norway-hopes-to-boost-body-image-with-
retouching-law/
Grey, J. (2021, July 21). Norway passes law requiring influencers to label retouched photos
on social media. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from
https://www.dpreview.com/news/1157704583/norway-passes-law-requiring-
influencers-to-label-retouched-photos-on-social-media#:~:text=Legislators%20in%20
Norway's%20Parliament%20have,address%20'body%20pressure%20in%20society.
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