The United Arab Emirates has set a new precedent in the Arab world by enforcing regulations that ban children under 15 from maintaining personal social media accounts. This groundbreaking legislation prevents young users from engaging in activities like posting content, sharing, commenting, joining public groups, and interacting with other users on social media platforms.
To comply with the new rules, social media companies operating within the UAE have been given a 12-month period to adapt. A critical component of these regulations is the implementation of robust age-verification systems, as platforms will no longer be able to depend solely on self-reported ages by users.
The regulations also extend specific guidelines for teenagers aged 15 and 16, allowing them continued access to social media with added safety measures. These enhancements include age-appropriate content filters, restrictions on interactions with unknown users, parental control options, and time management tools to monitor and limit social media use.
The UAE government asserts that this initiative is designed to bolster child protection in the increasingly digital landscape, while also encouraging responsible technological engagement. As part of the enforcement, platforms must identify and suspend accounts that are operated by children under the age of 15, ensuring compliance with the new legal framework.