UAE to Issue Law to Protect Children from Harmful Content Online

The United Arab Emirates has issued a federal decree-law aimed at protecting children from harmful digital content and risky online practices, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to family welfare as it prepares to mark 2026 as the Year of the Family. 

The landmark legislation introduces a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard children’s physical, psychological, and moral wellbeing in the digital environment. It defines clear roles and responsibilities for authorities, internet service providers, digital platforms and guardians to ensure safe and responsible use of online services. 

Key Features of the Law

Under the new decree-law, which applies to all internet service providers and digital platforms operating in or targeting users within the UAE, a wide range of online services will be regulated. Covered platforms include websites, search engines, smart and messaging apps, forums, online gaming, social media, live streaming, podcasts, video-on-demand services and e-commerce sites. 

To enhance child safety online, the legislation:

• Establishes a national Child Digital Safety Council, overseen by the Minister of Family, to propose policies, strategies and future legislative measures. 

• Creates a system for categorising digital platforms based on risk and impact on children, guiding age-appropriate controls and restrictions. 

• Bans the collection, processing or sharing of personal data of children under 13, with limited exemptions for educational and health-related platforms. 

• Requires platforms to implement default privacy settings, age-verification mechanisms, content filtering, blocking and age-rating tools, and to regulate targeted advertising. 

• Prohibits children from participating in or accessing online commercial gambling or betting activities. 

Responsibilities for Providers and Caregivers

Internet service providers are mandated to activate filtering systems that align with child protection policies and ensure supervised use of internet services by minors, including requiring guardians to accept terms of service that integrate parental control tools. 

The law also lays out obligations for parents and caregivers to monitor children’s digital activities, use parental controls, and avoid creating accounts for children on platforms that do not comply with enhanced safety standards. 

Swift Action Against Harmful Content

To strengthen enforcement, the decree-law includes mechanisms for reporting harmful content, ensuring rapid response in cases of online abuse or exploitation. 

The UAE’s move highlights its proactive approach to protecting children in an increasingly digital world, positioning the nation as a regional leader in online child safety legislation.