UAE Bans Social Media for Under-15s
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a nationwide ban on social media use by children under the age of 15, introducing sweeping restrictions that will require online platforms to remove underage accounts or face sanctions.
The new cabinet resolution makes the UAE one of a growing number of countries tightening rules around children’s access to social media, citing concerns over online safety and digital wellbeing.
Under the policy, social media companies must identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users below the age of 15. Platforms have been given a 12-month transition period to comply with the new regulations before enforcement begins.
“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) quoted the cabinet resolution as stating.
It further provides that, “Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.”
The restrictions extend beyond simply owning an account. Children under 15 will also be barred from accessing the full range of social media features, including social interaction, publishing content, commenting, sharing posts, joining public groups, participating in open channels or engaging in other large-scale interactive online spaces.
To ensure compliance, the UAE has empowered its media and telecommunications regulators to monitor implementation and take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply.
According to the resolution, the regulators have the authority to take “all necessary measures” against social media companies found to be in breach of the rules.
Possible sanctions include official warnings, administrative penalties, and even the partial or complete blocking of non-compliant platforms.
The UAE’s decision mirrors a growing global trend of governments introducing stricter controls on children’s access to social media. Australia passed landmark legislation in December banning social media access for children under 16, while Britain has also unveiled similar measures aimed at strengthening online protections for minors. Canada has likewise been considering tougher safeguards for young internet users.
The latest move underscores increasing international efforts to shield children from the potential risks associated with social media, including harmful content, cyberbullying, online exploitation and excessive screen time.
