The UAE has introduced new rules regulating children’s access to social media platforms, setting a minimum age of 15 and requiring stronger safety measures to protect young users online.
DUBAI: The UAE has unveiled a landmark digital safety framework that will significantly change how children access and use social media platforms across the country.
Approved by the UAE Cabinet and chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the new resolution introduces a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at strengthening child protection in the digital space while promoting responsible technology use.
So, what does the new social media age limit mean for children and families in the UAE?
Under the resolution, the minimum age for using social media platforms has been set at 15 years. Children below this age will no longer be permitted to create, use or operate personal social media accounts. They will also be restricted from accessing core platform features such as posting content, commenting, sharing material, joining public groups and participating in large-scale online interactions.
Importantly, the rules state that parental consent cannot override these restrictions. This means parents cannot authorise children under 15 to use social media platforms in ways that breach the new regulations.
For teenagers aged 15 and 16, access will be allowed but subject to enhanced safety protections. Platforms must provide age-appropriate experiences, including content restrictions, limitations on interactions with unknown users, usage time controls and parental supervision tools.
The resolution comes in response to growing concerns surrounding children’s exposure to harmful content, online risks, excessive screen time and the collection of personal data. Officials say the framework aims to ensure that young people can benefit from technology while remaining protected from potential digital harms.
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation involves age verification. Social media companies will be required to implement reliable verification systems using digital identity checks, artificial intelligence-supported technologies, biometric tools or other approved methods.
Simply entering a birth date will no longer be considered sufficient proof of age. Platforms must ensure a high level of accuracy while also protecting user privacy and minimising unnecessary data collection.
The regulations also place new responsibilities on social media companies. Platforms operating in or targeting users in the UAE must actively identify and disable accounts created by children under 15 in violation of the rules. They are also prohibited from targeting children with personalised advertising based on behavioural tracking or digital profiling.
In addition, platforms must conduct regular digital safety assessments, provide educational resources for families and submit compliance reports to relevant authorities.
Parents and caregivers also have defined responsibilities under the framework. They are expected to supervise children’s digital activity, avoid bypassing age verification systems and help educate young users about online risks and responsible digital behaviour.
To oversee implementation, the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority will monitor compliance and may impose penalties, warnings or platform restrictions where necessary.
Social media companies have been granted a transition period of up to 12 months to fully comply with the new requirements.
The resolution aligns with global efforts to improve child online safety and reinforces the UAE’s ambition to create one of the world’s safest and most responsible digital environments for future generations.
