The UAE Cabinet has passed a landmark resolution setting 15 as the minimum age for social media access, marking one of the region's most comprehensive legislative moves to protect children in the digital space.
Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet approved the resolution in response to growing concerns over children's exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, data exploitation and addictive usage patterns on social platforms.
Children under 15 are prohibited from creating or operating personal accounts on any platform that allows social interaction, content sharing or algorithmic content delivery. The ban applies to all platforms available within the UAE or directed at users in the country, regardless of whether they are free or paid.
Users aged 15 to 16 may access platforms under enhanced protections, including age-appropriate content filters, restricted interaction with unknown users, usage time limits and mandatory parental control tools. Crucially, parental consent does not override the age restrictions set by the resolution.
Platforms are required to deploy reliable age verification mechanisms, including digital identity checks and AI-supported biometric tools. Self-declaration of age is explicitly rejected as a valid method. Platforms must also refrain from targeting minors with personalised advertising or processing their data for commercial profiling purposes.
Oversight falls to the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, with enforcement powers ranging from warnings to partial or full platform blocking. The Child Digital Safety Council will monitor implementation and continuously update the regulatory framework.
Platforms have been granted a 12-month transitional period to achieve full compliance. The resolution sits within a broader legislative framework covering child rights, cybercrime, personal data protection and media regulation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
