The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution banning children under the age of 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts as part of a broader effort to strengthen child protection in the digital environment.
The resolution establishes a national framework regulating children’s access to social media platforms amid growing concerns over online safety, exposure to inappropriate content, excessive screen time, and the collection of personal data.
Under the new rules, children below 15 years old will not be permitted to create or use personal accounts on social media platforms or access their full features.
Meanwhile, children aged 15 to 16 will be granted regulated access subject to age-appropriate content classification, restricted interactions, usage limits, and parental control mechanisms.
The resolution requires social media companies to implement accurate and reliable age-verification systems and to monitor and act against accounts that violate the new regulations.
The rules apply to social media platforms that allow users to create profiles, interact with others, publish or share content, or use algorithm-based systems to display and recommend content. The regulations cover platforms operating in or targeting users in the UAE.
The government also prohibited the use or processing of children’s personal data for commercial purposes based on the tracking of their online activities.
According to the resolution, parental consent cannot be used to bypass the age restrictions and safeguards established under the new framework.
The Cabinet said caregivers are expected to actively supervise their children’s digital activities and promote safe and responsible online behavior.
Social media platforms will be given a transition period of up to 12 months to gradually implement the requirements in coordination with relevant authorities.
Officials said the measure forms part of a broader legislative framework that includes child rights protections, cybercrime laws, personal data protection regulations, media laws, and child digital safety policies.
The UAE government said the resolution reflects its commitment to creating a safer digital environment for children while ensuring responsible access to technology and online services.
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