The UAE has approved a major new regulation setting the minimum age for social media use at 15 years, a sweeping move aimed at strengthening child protection in the digital space. The decision was taken by the UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Under the resolution, children under the age of 15 will not be permitted to create or operate social media accounts, nor access interactive features such as posting, commenting, sharing content, or joining public groups.Users aged 15 to 16 will be allowed limited access, but only under strict safeguards. These include age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on high-risk interactions, limits on screen time, and enhanced parental supervision tools. Authorities have stressed that parental consent will not override the restrictions set under the new framework.The regulation also requires all social media platforms operating in the UAE or targeting users in the country to implement robust age verification systems, including digital identity checks and approved technological solutions. Self-declared age will no longer be accepted.
Platforms will also be required to block underage accounts, prevent targeted advertising based on children’s data, and strengthen privacy protections.Regulators including the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority will oversee compliance. Platforms have been given up to 12 months to fully implement the rules.
