The United Arab Emirates has taken a pioneering step among Arab nations by enacting regulations that bar children under the age of 15 from having personal social media accounts. This new policy aims to restrict young users from engaging with fundamental social media functionalities such as posting, commenting, sharing content, interacting with other users, and joining public groups and channels.
In accordance with the recently issued Cabinet resolution, social media platforms now face a 12-month deadline to align with these new rules. Companies operating within the UAE must establish robust age-verification processes, as self-declared ages will no longer suffice. This move reflects the government’s broader strategy to bolster child safety in the digital sphere while encouraging the responsible use of technology.
For those aged 15 and 16, the use of social media will still be permitted, albeit with enhanced protective measures. These measures will include content filters tailored to age, restrictions on interactions with unknown users, parental control tools, and limits on the amount of time spent on these platforms. The initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its younger population from potential online risks.
Social media platforms are also tasked with monitoring and identifying accounts that violate these new regulations by being operated by children under 15. Any accounts found to be in breach of the policy will need to be suspended. This regulatory change highlights the UAE’s proactive approach to adapting to the evolving digital landscape, placing a strong emphasis on the safe and responsible use of social media among the youth.