The United Arab Emirates has introduced new restrictions prohibiting children below the age of 15 from creating or operating social media accounts, becoming the latest country to tighten regulations aimed at protecting minors online.
Under the new policy approved by the UAE Cabinet, social media companies will be required to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users under the minimum age threshold. Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties, including partial or complete restrictions on their services within the country.
Authorities have granted social media operators a 12-month period to implement the necessary compliance measures before enforcement begins.
According to the resolution, individuals younger than 15 will not only be barred from opening personal accounts but will also be restricted from accessing key interactive features commonly available on social media platforms.
These limitations include activities such as posting content, commenting, sharing information, participating in public groups, joining open channels, and engaging in large-scale online interactions.
The move places the UAE among a growing number of countries seeking stricter oversight of children’s digital activities. Similar measures have recently emerged in nations including Australia, Britain, and Canada amid increasing concerns over the effects of social media on young users.
Government agencies responsible for regulating media and telecommunications have been empowered to take enforcement action against non-compliant platforms. Such measures may range from official warnings to administrative sanctions and, in severe cases, the blocking of services.
Officials say the new framework is designed to create a safer digital environment for children while ensuring social media companies play a more active role in age verification and online safety.