The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has bought out a resolution to regulate children’s access to social media and set the age limit at 15 years to use the platforms.
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The announcement was emerged days after United Kingdom (UK) announced to ban social media use for the children under age 16.
According to the resolution, the children under age 15 are banned from creating or using personal accounts on social media and will not be permitted to access full features of the social platforms.
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As per the UAE government announcement, the resolution have given a 12 month transitional period to social media companies to implement the new standards, in coordination with the relevant authorities, ensuring technical and regulatory preparedness.
Children between the ages of 15 and 16 will be allowed regulated and safe access to social media platforms. Their access will be subject to age-appropriate content classification, restricted interaction, regulated usage time, and parental controls.
UAE Cabinet Issues Resolution Regulating Children's Access to Social Media Platforms pic.twitter.com/n5q3tRmkpr
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 18, 2026
The resolution requires social media platforms to implement accurate and reliable age verification mechanisms. Platforms must also monitor non-compliant accounts and take immediate action to ensure compliance with the new rules.
According to the resolution, parental consent will not serve as a valid exemption from any prohibitions or restrictions. This means that parental permission cannot be used to bypass the requirements set out in the regulation.
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The resolution also prohibits the use or processing of children’s personal data for commercial purposes based on tracking their digital activities.
Companies will not be allowed to collect or use children’s personal information for advertising or business purposes through monitoring their online behavior.
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The new framework places responsibility on caregivers to actively supervise their children’s permitted digital activity and promote awareness of safe and responsible online practices. Caregivers are also expected to educate children about safe internet use.
The resolution provides families with a clear framework and practical tools to help guide children toward more responsible and mindful digital engagement.
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Social media platforms will be given a transitional period of up to 12 months to progressively implement the new standards in coordination with the relevant authorities, ensuring technical and regulatory readiness.
