The United Arab Emirates government approved a regulation that prohibits the use of social networks by children under 15 years of age and determined a period of up to 12 months for platforms to adapt their systems to the new requirements. The measure makes the country the first in the Arab world to establish a mandatory minimum age for access to digital platforms. The information is from and were published on Thursday (June 18, 2026).
According to the government, the initiative seeks to increase the protection of children and adolescents in the digital environment and reduce risks related to exposure to inappropriate content, interactions considered unsafe, excessive use of social networks and collection of personal data.
Under the new rules, children under 15 will not be able to create or maintain personal accounts on social networks. The restriction also prevents the publication of content, comments, sharing and participation in public groups.
NEW RULES
Users aged 15 and 16 will continue to be authorized to access the platforms, but will be subject to additional security measures. The standards include age-compatible content filters, restrictions on contact with unknown users, screen time management tools and parental supervision features.
The companies responsible for the platforms will have to implement more rigorous mechanisms for proving age, including digital identification systems and technologies supported by artificial intelligence. Self-declaration of age will not be accepted as a valid form of verification.
Platforms must also remove accounts belonging to children under 15, prevent attempts to circumvent verification systems and stop using children’s personal data for targeted advertising or building behavioral profiles.
The United Arab Emirates stated that the regulation follows international initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection in the digital environment and seeks to balance security and access to technology.
Countries such as Australia and European nations have also increased restrictions and debates on the use of social networks by children and adolescents due to concerns related to mental health and online safety.
