The United Arab Emirates has introduced a landmark policy that sets 15 as the minimum age for using social media platforms, becoming the first Arab nation to enforce such a restriction. The move reflects growing international concerns about the effects of digital platforms on children’s safety, privacy and mental well-being, while also increasing pressure on technology companies to strengthen protections for younger users.
Under the new regulations, children below the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, operate or maintain personal social media accounts. As a result, they will be barred from posting content, sharing material, commenting on posts or participating in public online groups. Authorities believe these measures will help reduce children’s exposure to harmful content and unsafe online interactions.
Meanwhile, teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still have access to social media services, but platforms must provide stronger safeguards for their accounts. These protections include age-appropriate content filters, limits on communication with unknown users, screen-time management tools and enhanced parental supervision features designed to promote safer online experiences.
The regulations also place significant responsibilities on social media companies operating within the UAE. Platforms must implement reliable age-verification systems, including digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies. Furthermore, companies cannot rely on users simply declaring their age and must actively prevent attempts to bypass verification requirements.
In addition, social media firms must deactivate accounts belonging to children under 15 and stop using minors’ personal information for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling. Officials said the framework aims to address concerns related to excessive social media use, inappropriate content exposure and the collection of sensitive personal data from young users.
Companies have been given up to 12 months to comply with the new rules. The UAE government said the framework supports global efforts to strengthen online child protection while maintaining responsible access to digital services. Similar discussions and restrictions are also emerging in countries such as Australia and several European nations as governments seek to improve online safety standards for children.