UAE Bans Social Media for Children Under 15, Implements Age Verification Rules with 12-Month Compliance Period

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has enacted a significant resolution aimed at regulating children’s access to social media platforms. This decision comes in response to the rising use of social media among children and the associated risks, including exposure to inappropriate content. The resolution introduces a framework that mandates social media platforms to implement new standards over a transitional period of up to 12 months.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

The resolution includes several critical provisions designed to protect children in the digital environment:

• Age Restrictions: Children under the age of 15 are prohibited from creating or using personal accounts on social media platforms and will not have access to the full features of these platforms.
• Regulated Access for Older Teens: Children aged 15 to 16 may access social media platforms, but only under strict regulations, including age-appropriate content classification, restricted interactions, limited usage time, and parental controls.
• Age Verification Mechanisms: Social media platforms are required to implement reliable age verification systems to ensure compliance with these regulations.
• Parental Consent Limitations: The resolution specifies that parental consent does not exempt children from the prohibitions or restrictions outlined.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Platforms must actively monitor for non-compliant accounts and take immediate action to enforce compliance.
• Data Protection: The use or processing of children’s personal data for commercial purposes, particularly through tracking their digital activities, is strictly prohibited.
• Caregiver Responsibilities: Caregivers are tasked with supervising their child’s digital activities and promoting safe online practices.

This resolution aims to provide families with a structured framework and practical tools to guide children toward responsible digital engagement.

Child Protection in the Digital Space

The UAE’s initiative reflects its commitment to establishing a robust model for child protection in the digital realm. It reinforces the national digital safety framework in response to the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing risks associated with children’s online interactions. The resolution underscores the need for a comprehensive national framework that allows children to benefit from technology while ensuring their safety.

The growing prevalence of social media among children necessitates such measures, as it exposes them to various challenges, including inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, and excessive usage patterns. The UAE’s proactive approach aims to develop legislative models that align with global digital transformations while prioritizing child safety.

Integrated Legislative Framework

This resolution is part of a broader legislative framework that includes the Child Rights Law, laws against cybercrimes, personal data protection regulations, and media oversight. It applies to all social media platforms that allow users to create accounts, engage in social interactions, or share content, whether free or paid. The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15, prohibiting younger children from creating personal accounts or accessing full platform features.

Platforms must implement necessary technical and administrative measures to enforce these prohibitions, promoting healthier digital habits among children and adolescents.

Regulations for Ages 15-16

For children aged 15 to 16, the resolution allows access to social media platforms under enhanced protective measures. These include:

• Age-appropriate content restrictions.
• Disabling high-risk features, such as interactions with unknown users.
• Regulating usage time and providing parental control tools.

Parental consent will not exempt children from the established restrictions. Caregivers can configure account settings for children within this age group using available parental control tools, ensuring compliance with the resolution.

Age Verification Standards

Self-declaration of age is not accepted as a valid verification method. Social media platforms must employ accurate mechanisms to determine user age, adhering to stringent child privacy and data protection standards. This includes minimizing data collection and ensuring data is not retained longer than necessary. Verification processes must undergo regular reviews and audits, with clear user information provided to promote transparency.

Monitoring Responsibilities for Platforms

All social media platforms operating within the UAE or targeting users in the country must monitor accounts created by children under 15 that violate the resolution. Immediate action is required to suspend or disable such accounts. Platforms are also mandated to implement technical measures to prevent circumvention of their systems and refrain from targeting children with personalized advertising based on tracking.

Additionally, platforms must provide parental control tools and educational materials for caregivers and children, conduct periodic safety assessments, and submit reports to relevant authorities. This positions platforms as strategic partners in safeguarding children.

Tools for Responsible Digital Engagement

The resolution equips families with a clear framework and tools to foster responsible digital engagement among children. Oversight of compliance with the resolution’s provisions falls under the jurisdiction of the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. These authorities have the power to take necessary actions against non-compliance, including warnings or blocking platforms.

The Child Digital Safety Council will assess risks associated with children’s social media access and propose measures to mitigate them, ensuring effective implementation of the resolution.

Transitional Period for Compliance

Social media platforms are granted a transitional period of up to 12 months to align their operations with the new regulations. This period allows for effective communication and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure technical and regulatory readiness.

The resolution aligns with global trends in digital child protection, establishing a model that balances digital safety, family empowerment, and platform responsibility. It reinforces the UAE’s position as a leader in child protection and digital safety, demonstrating the country’s commitment to creating a secure digital environment.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-06-18 13:10:00 • By the Editorial Desk