The UAE bans social media for those under the age of 15
The United Arab Emirates has moved to tighten online safety measures for children, mandating social media platforms to deploy robust identity verification systems and advanced artificial intelligence tools to prevent underage users from accessing their services.These measures form part of a Cabinet decision regulating children’s access to social media platforms, with the authorities granting companies a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements.
Platforms are required to verify age, and disable underage accounts
Under the new regulations, social media companies will be required to implement identity verification mechanisms capable of preventing underage children from creating accounts.Platforms must also actively monitor existing accounts, identify underage users and disable such accounts when necessary.According to Khaleej Times, Majid Sultan Al-Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, said the regulations require social media platforms to deploy identity verification and advanced artificial intelligence technologies to protect children online.The official said that the measures aim to enhance digital safety and ensure that social media companies bear greater responsibility for protecting minors.
The minimum age specified is 15 years
Last month, the UAE government announced a nationwide ban on children under 15 using social media, joining a growing list of countries imposing age-based restrictions on digital platforms.
Under a Cabinet decision, 15 years was set as the minimum age for using social media. Children under this age will not be allowed to create, use or operate personal accounts on social media platforms.The rules also restrict users under the age of 15 from accessing basic social media functions, including posting content, commenting, sharing material, participating in public groups, joining open channels, and participating in large-scale online interactive spaces.
Authorities are empowered to take action against non-compliant platforms
The UAE has also given regulators broad enforcement powers to ensure compliance.Quoting Al-Mismar, Khaleej Times reported that the competent authorities will be authorized to take measures ranging from administrative penalties to partial or complete blocking of platforms that fail to implement the required guarantees within the stipulated timetable.The regulations are expected to be implemented through what officials described as an “institutional integration framework,” which includes coordination between telecommunications, digital governance and media bodies.
The UAE is joining the global trend
The move places the UAE among a growing number of countries seeking to limit children’s access to social media amid concerns about online safety, harmful content and excessive screen time.The decision follows Australia’s world-first restrictions on social media for users under the age of 16, which came into force in December.Britain also announced similar measures this week, while other countries, including Canada, are exploring stronger age verification requirements.With the latest rules, the UAE signals a tougher approach to protecting children online, with greater accountability imposed on social media companies to verify the ages of users and prevent the participation of minors on their platforms.
