The United Arab Emirates has introduced a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to enforce such restrictions as governments tighten online child protection measures globally.
Under a resolution approved on Thursday, children under 15 are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts in the country.
The government’s media office said the rule means children below the age limit “will not be able to post content, comment, share or join public groups.”
The new policy introduced stricter safeguards for teenagers aged 15 and 16, allowing them limited access to social media platforms under enhanced protection measures.
These safeguards included age-appropriate content filters, restrictions on interactions with unknown users, screen-time controls, and parental supervision tools.
The regulations applied to all social media platforms operating in the UAE and require companies to adopt strict age-verification systems.
The government said platforms must implement “digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies.”
It added that self-declaration of age would not be accepted as valid verification.
Social media companies are also required to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 15 and prevent attempts to bypass verification systems.
They are further barred from using children’s personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.
The UAE said the measures are aimed at addressing concerns over children’s exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, and excessive screen time.
It also cited risks linked to personal data collection and online behavioural tracking.
Companies have been given up to 12 months to comply with the new rules.
The government said the framework aligned with global efforts to improve online child safety while balancing digital access.
Several countries, including Australia and others in Europe, have recently introduced similar restrictions to protect children online.
