The United Arab Emirates has taken a pioneering step in the Arab world by implementing regulations that prevent children under 15 from creating and operating personal social media accounts. This landmark decision aims to enhance child protection in the digital realm while fostering responsible technology use.
According to the new Cabinet resolution, those under 15 will be restricted from accessing core social media functionalities. This includes posting content, commenting, sharing, interacting with other users, and joining public groups or channels. Social media companies operating within the UAE have been allocated a 12-month period to adhere to these regulations, which mandate the implementation of robust age-verification systems. Companies are specifically prohibited from relying solely on users’ self-reported ages.
For adolescents aged 15 and 16, social media access remains permissible but comes with heightened safety protocols. These measures include restrictions on age-inappropriate content, limitations on interactions with unknown users, tools for parental control, and constraints on usage time. The government has emphasized that these initiatives are designed to bolster child safety online while encouraging a mindful approach to social media use.
Moreover, platforms are now obligated to identify and suspend accounts that have been created by children under the age of 15 in defiance of the new rules. This comprehensive approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its younger population in an increasingly digital world.