The UAE Cabinet has issued a resolution setting the minimum age for social media use at 15 and creating rules to protect children online.
Platforms have up to 12 months to implement the requirements in coordination with authorities to ensure technical and regulatory readiness, Reuters reports.
Under the ruling, children under 15 are prohibited from creating or using personal social media accounts and cannot access full platform features.
Those aged 15–16 may use platforms under stricter conditions: age-appropriate content classification, restricted interaction, limits on usage time, and mandatory parental controls. Parental consent does not override these protections.
Platforms must deploy accurate, reliable age-verification systems, monitor non-compliant accounts, and take immediate enforcement actions.
According to DW, the resolution bans processing children’s personal data for commercial purposes tied to tracking their digital activities, preventing companies from profiling or targeting minors for advertising.
The rules apply to any platform that allows account creation, social interaction, content sharing, or uses algorithmic recommendation systems, whether free or paid, and whether accessible in the UAE or directed at users there.
Caregivers/Parents are explicitly required to supervise permitted digital activity and educate children on safe online behavior, offering families practical tools and a clear framework to encourage responsible digital engagement.
This measure is part of a broader legislative package that includes the Child Rights Law, cybercrime legislation, personal data protection, media regulation, and child digital safety frameworks to ensure institutional coordination.
The Child Digital Safety Council will evaluate risks, propose mitigation measures, and oversee ongoing development of child-protection policies.
Enforcement responsibilities lie with the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, which may issue warnings, impose penalties, or partially or fully block non-compliant platforms.
The government, further says that “the new law aligns with global trends and positions the UAE as a leader in balancing innovation with child protection in the digital era”, WAM reported.
