The measures aim to strengthen online safety and protect young users from harmful digital content.
UAE Sets Minimum Age for Social Media Access
The UAE Cabinet has approved a new resolution regulating children’s access to social media platforms, setting 15 years as the minimum age for creating and using social media accounts.
The decision is part of a broader national effort to strengthen child protection in the digital environment as concerns grow over online safety, excessive screen time, data privacy and exposure to inappropriate content.
To ensure a smooth transition, authorities have given social media platforms up to 12 months to implement the new requirements in coordination with relevant government agencies.
New Rules for Children and Teenagers
Under the new framework, children under the age of 15 will no longer be allowed to create or use personal accounts on social media platforms.
In addition, the resolution introduces extra safeguards for teenagers aged 15 and 16.
Instead of allowing unrestricted access, the government requires platforms to provide age-appropriate experiences that include content controls, limited interactions, usage restrictions and parental supervision tools.
By implementing these measures, authorities aim to ensure that young users can benefit from digital technology while remaining protected from potential online risks.
Platforms Required to Verify Users’ Ages
A key element of the new regulations is the requirement for social media companies to implement reliable age-verification systems.
Platforms will be responsible for identifying accounts that do not comply with the rules and taking immediate action where necessary.
The regulations apply to social media services that allow users to:
- Create personal accounts or profiles.
- Share or publish content.
- Interact with other users.
- Receive content recommendations through algorithms.
The rules cover both free and paid platforms operating within the UAE or offering services to users in the country.
Parental Consent Will Not Override the Rules
One of the most significant provisions of the resolution is that parental permission cannot be used to bypass age restrictions.
Even if a parent approves, children below the minimum age requirement will not be allowed to access social media platforms in violation of the regulations.
The government said this approach creates a clear and consistent framework for protecting children online.
Restrictions on Children’s Data Collection
The resolution also introduces stricter controls on how children’s personal information can be used.
Social media platforms will be prohibited from processing or using children’s personal data for commercial purposes based on tracking their online activities.
The measure aims to reduce the exploitation of children’s digital behavior for advertising, profiling, and other commercial activities.
Greater Responsibility for Families
The new framework places responsibility on parents and caregivers to actively supervise children’s digital activities and promote safe online behavior.
Authorities said the regulations are intended not only to protect children but also to provide families with practical guidance and tools for managing digital engagement.
The framework encourages parents to educate children about responsible internet use while maintaining appropriate oversight of their online activities.
Enforcement and Regulatory Oversight
Implementation and enforcement of the new rules will be overseen by multiple government bodies.
The Child Digital Safety Council will monitor risks associated with children’s use of social media and recommend measures to strengthen protections.
Meanwhile, compliance oversight will be handled by:
- The National Media Authority (NMA)
- The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
These authorities will have the power to issue warnings, impose administrative penalties, and partially or fully block non-compliant platforms where necessary.
The government said enforcement will follow a graduated approach, allowing platforms time to adapt while ensuring accountability.
Part of a Broader Digital Safety Strategy
The resolution forms part of a wider legislative framework that includes the UAE’s Child Rights Law, cybercrime regulations, personal data protection legislation, media laws, and digital safety initiatives.
Officials said the measures reflect the country’s commitment to creating a safer online environment while balancing technological innovation with child protection.
As digital platforms continue to play a larger role in everyday life, the UAE aims to establish a regulatory model that combines platform responsibility, parental involvement, and effective enforcement mechanisms.
Building a Safer Digital Future
The government described the new regulations as a proactive step to protect young users in an increasingly digital world.
Through measures such as age restrictions, stronger data protections, mandatory verification systems and clearer platform responsibilities, the UAE aims to create a safer and more sustainable online environment for children and teenagers.
At the same time, the new rules place the country among a growing number of nations introducing stricter controls on children’s access to social media, reflecting a broader global shift toward stronger digital safety standards.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have up to one year to gradually implement the new requirements and work with relevant authorities to ensure full compliance.
Source: Gulf News
Read more news, and follow us on Instagram
