UAE Bans Under-15s from Using Social Media
UAE bans under-15s from social media in major child digital safety move.
- Publish date: since hour Reading time: 3 min reads
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a landmark regulation prohibiting children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, marking one of the most stringent digital child protection measures in the region.
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What the New Rule Says
According to state news agency Wam, the UAE Cabinet has ruled that anyone below 15 years of age is prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms. The ban also extends to accessing full features of such platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces.
Cabinet's Rationale
The resolution was made by the cabinet chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. In official statements, the cabinet said the ruling aims to "establish an advanced model for child protection in the digital space."
The decision comes as part of efforts to reinforce the national digital safety framework "in line with the rapid evolution of technology use." According to the government, the regulation seeks to strike a balance between enabling responsible use of modern technologies and ensuring the highest standards of child protection.
Which Platforms Are Affected?
The resolution applies broadly across the digital landscape. It covers all social media platforms that:
- Enable users to create accounts or personal profiles
- Allow social interaction
- Permit publishing or sharing content
- Rely on algorithmic systems to display, rank, or recommend content
The rule applies whether platforms are free or paid services. According to Wam, it encompasses all platforms whose services are available within the UAE or are directed at users in the country, regardless of where they are headquartered.
Context and Timing
The announcement appeared alongside promotional material for the UAE Today Newsletter, which encourages residents to subscribe to morning updates featuring stories shaping the Emirates. The positioning suggests the government views this as a significant development in the nation's ongoing digital transformation journey.
Industry Implications
For social media companies operating in the UAE, the regulation represents a substantial compliance requirement. The age restriction affects major global platforms including Meta's Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, among others.
The phrase "children on social media are not users to be monetised" — appearing in related commentary — signals a clear stance against profit-driven engagement models targeting minors, aligning with growing international concern over social media's impact on young people's mental health and development.
Enforcement Details
While the cabinet announced the sweeping prohibition, specific enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations were not detailed in the initial report. Regulatory guidance on how platform providers will verify ages and implement the restrictions remains pending further clarification from UAE authorities.
As countries worldwide grapple with balancing innovation, free expression, and child safety online, the UAE's bold approach may influence similar regulatory discussions in other jurisdictions.