The Danish Parliament has approved new legislation allowing authorities to use fake online profiles to identify and stop the sale of illegal nitrous oxide. This measure aims to address the shift of illegal nitrous oxide sales to social media platforms and closed online groups.

The Danish Safety Technology Authority will now be able to create fictitious profiles to infiltrate these online groups and monitor illegal activity. However, the authorities are prohibited from participating directly in the buying or selling of nitrous oxide.

The new legislation is a response to the increasing challenge of controlling nitrous oxide sales online. The Nitrous Oxide Act, which came into force in 2020, already prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to individuals under 18 and limits the quantity sold to private individuals. It also prohibits shops that sell tobacco and alcohol from selling nitrous oxide.

Platforms will be instructed by authorities to halt illegal activity, with the potential for court-ordered blocking if they fail to comply. Since the summer of 2023, private individuals have been banned from possessing nitrous oxide in public places without proof of legitimate use. Violations of these rules, including illegal possession and sale, are punishable by fines ranging from DKK 3,000 to DKK 5,000. The sale or possession of large quantities can result in fines of DKK 50,000 or more.