UAE Sets 15-Year Age Limit for Social Media Use, Introduces Strict Child Safety Law
The United Arab Emirates has banned children under 15 from using social media as part of a new child safety law aimed at protecting young users online.
Under the new regulation, children below 15 years are no longer allowed to create or operate social media accounts. They cannot post, comment, share content, or join public online groups. Authorities say the move strengthens digital child protection.
However, teenagers aged 15 and 16 may still access social media platforms. Even so, their usage comes with strict safeguards. These include parental supervision tools, screen-time limits, and content controls.
In addition, platforms must enforce strict age verification measures. Companies are required to use digital identity checks and artificial intelligence tools. Self-declared age will no longer be accepted.
The rules also place responsibility on social media companies to block underage accounts. They must prevent users from bypassing verification systems. Furthermore, they cannot use children’s data for targeted advertising or profiling.
The UAE government explained that the decision responds to growing concerns about children’s exposure to harmful content. Officials also pointed to risks linked to excessive screen time and unsafe online interactions.
Transitioning to enforcement, social media companies have been given 12 months to comply with the new requirements. Authorities warned that full implementation is mandatory across all platforms operating in the country.
The UAE becomes the first Arab nation to introduce a national minimum age for social media use. The policy aligns with global efforts to improve online child safety and digital wellbeing.
