UAE Sets Minimum Social Media Age at 15
- tech360.tv
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The United Arab Emirates has established a minimum age of 15 for social media use. This makes it the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction, addressing growing global concerns about online platforms' impact on children.
Under the approved resolution, children younger than 15 are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. They will also be unable to post content, comment, share, or join public groups.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 may use social media platforms with enhanced safeguards. These include age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on interaction with unknown users, screen-time management tools, and parental supervision features.
The new rules apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE. Companies must implement robust age-verification measures, such as digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies, with self-declaration of age not accepted.
Platforms must disable accounts created by children under 15 and prevent users from circumventing age-verification systems. They also cannot use children's personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.
The government stated these measures aim to address concerns regarding children's exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use, and the collection of personal data.
Social media companies have up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations. The framework aligns with international efforts to strengthen online child protection while balancing digital access with safety.
Several countries, including Australia and others in Europe, are tightening restrictions on children's social media use. This global movement stems from mounting concerns about its effects on mental health and online safety.
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum social media age of 15, becoming the first Arab country to do so.
Children under 15 are prohibited from creating or using personal social media accounts, including posting and sharing content.
Teenagers aged 15-16 are permitted to use platforms with enhanced safeguards, parental supervision, and content controls.
Source: Reuters
