The UAE has announced a landmark digital safety initiative aimed at protecting children online by introducing new age-based restrictions for social media use. Under the newly approved resolution, children under the age of 15 will no longer be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts, regardless of parental consent.
For teenagers aged 15 and 16, access will still be permitted but under stricter safety regulations. Social media platforms will be required to implement enhanced protective measures, including age-appropriate content filtering, restrictions on potentially harmful features, usage time controls, and parental monitoring tools.
A key part of the new framework is the introduction of stronger age-verification systems. Instead of relying solely on self-declared ages, platforms will need to adopt more reliable verification methods, potentially including AI-powered technologies, biometric tools, and other approved digital identity solutions to accurately determine users’ ages.
The UAE has given social media companies up to 12 months to comply with the new standards. The move aligns with growing international efforts to improve online child protection and address concerns about the impact of excessive social media use on young people. Studies have linked prolonged social media exposure among children to increased anxiety, attention challenges, academic difficulties, and other developmental concerns.
By introducing these regulations, the UAE aims to create a safer and healthier digital environment while balancing technological access with the wellbeing of younger users and their families.
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