The United Arab Emirates has established 15 years as the minimum age for social media use, introducing a new regulatory framework aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital space and mitigating risks associated with early engagement with online platforms. This marks a significant legislative step in the Arab region.
The directive prohibits the creation or use of personal social media accounts by individuals under 15, barring them from interactive features such as posting, commenting, sharing, or joining public groups and channels. Social media platforms are mandated to implement effective technical and organizational measures to ensure compliance with these regulations.
For the age group between 15 and 16, social media use is permitted but subject to additional controls. These include age-based content categorization, restrictions on interactions with anonymous accounts, provisions for user time management tools, and enhanced parental supervision mechanisms.
All social media platforms operating within the UAE are required to implement robust age verification systems, including the use of digital identity and artificial intelligence-based technologies. Self-declaration of age will not be considered a valid verification method. The decision also stipulates the disabling of accounts belonging to children under 15 and prohibits the use of children's data for behavioral advertising or targeted advertising profiles.
This initiative responds to growing global concerns regarding the impact of social media on children, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, personal data collection, and excessive platform usage. The UAE authorities emphasize that this decision reflects a progressive national approach that balances enabling children to benefit from digital technology with ensuring a safe environment tailored to their age and protecting them from potential harms.
The regulation aligns with a comprehensive legislative ecosystem in the UAE, encompassing child protection laws, cybercrime countermeasures, media regulation, and digital safety, thereby reinforcing institutional roles in fostering a more secure digital environment. The directive applies to all social media platforms operating within or targeting users in the UAE, ensuring broad application and preventing regulatory loopholes.
