The United Arab Emirates has set a precedent in the Arab world by enacting new regulations that prevent children under 15 from having personal social media accounts. These rules are part of a broader effort to enhance online safety for minors. Under the fresh guidelines, young individuals under the age of 15 will be restricted from engaging in various social media activities, such as content posting, commenting, sharing, interacting with other users, and joining public groups and channels.
Social media platforms operating within the UAE have been granted a one-year period to adjust to these new requirements. The regulations mandate that these companies implement robust age-verification systems, moving beyond reliance on users’ self-declared ages to ensure compliance. This step is intended to fortify the protective measures surrounding young users in the digital space.
For those aged 15 and 16, social media usage remains permissible but will be subject to heightened protective measures. These include restrictions on content that is not age-appropriate, limitations on interactions with unfamiliar users, and the introduction of parental control tools. Additionally, controls on screen time aim to encourage more responsible use of social media among teenagers.
The UAE government has emphasized that this regulatory initiative is designed to bolster child protection online while fostering a culture of responsible technology use. Platforms will also need to identify and suspend any accounts created by users under the age of 15 who violate these new rules, reinforcing the importance of compliance and the safety of young users.