The United Arab Emirates has set a precedent in the Arab world by enacting new rules that prevent children under 15 from having personal social media accounts. This groundbreaking step is part of a broader effort to enhance online safety for minors. According to the updated Cabinet resolution, youngsters below the age of 15 will be restricted from engaging in essential social media activities. These activities include creating posts, commenting, sharing content, interacting with other users, and participating in public groups and channels.
Social media platforms operating within the UAE have been given a 12-month period to align with the new regulations. These companies will be required to implement robust age-verification processes, moving beyond mere reliance on self-reported ages provided by users. This initiative aims to ensure that the platforms are in compliance with the new age restrictions, thereby safeguarding young users from potential online risks.
For those aged 15 and 16, social media use will still be allowed, albeit with additional protective measures. These measures are designed to ensure safer online interactions and include restrictions on age-inappropriate content, limitations on interactions with unknown users, tools for parental oversight, and controls on how much time can be spent on these platforms.
The UAE government has stated that the primary goal of this initiative is to bolster child protection in the digital space while encouraging the responsible use of technology. This new regulation will necessitate that social media companies actively identify and suspend accounts that have been set up by users under the age of 15, thereby strengthening the overall safety net for young internet users.