• Source:JND

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday approved new rules restricting children's access to social media, becoming the first Arab country to set a minimum age for using such platforms. The move is part of broader efforts to protect children from online risks and address concerns about the impact of social media on young users.

UAE Sets 15 As Minimum Age For Social Media

Under the new rules, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, use, or operate personal social media accounts. They will also be restricted from accessing the full features of social media platforms. Announcing the measure, the UAE government wrote on X, “Cabinet issues a decision regarding the regulation of children's access to social media platforms and setting the minimum age for their use at (15) years.”

Whatr's Behind The Move?

The ban means children under 15 will not be able to post content, comment on posts, share material, or join public groups, according to the government's media office. The UAE government said the measures are aimed at protecting children from inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use, and the collection of personal data. Social media companies will have up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations.

ALSO READ: UK Bans Social Media Access For Children Under 16; Online Games, Live Streaming Services To See Restrictions

Key provisions as stated by the UAE government include:

1. Children under the age of 15 are prohibited from creating or using personal accounts on social media platforms and shall not be permitted to access their full features.
2. Providing children between the ages of 15 and 16 with regulated and safe access to platforms subject to age-appropriate content classification, restricted interaction, regulated usage time, and parental controls.
3. Platforms are required to implement accurate and reliable age verification mechanisms.
4. Parental consent shall not constitute a valid exemption from the prohibitions or restrictions set out in the resolution.
5. Platforms are required to monitor non-compliant accounts and take immediate action to enforce compliance.
6. Prohibition of the use or processing of children's personal data for commercial purposes based on the tracking of their digital activities.
7. Caregivers are responsible for actively supervising their child's permitted digital activity and promoting awareness of safe and responsible online practices.
8. The resolution provides families with a clear framework and practical tools to help guide children toward more responsible and mindful digital engagement.

Countries Tighten Digital Rules

The UAE's decision comes as several countries around the world move to tighten restrictions on children's use of social media. Countries such as Australia and several European nations have already introduced or proposed stricter regulations for young users. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using several major social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

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