UAE bans Social media for U-15s

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, becoming the latest country to tighten regulations aimed at protecting minors online

The new policy, unveiled on Thursday through a cabinet resolution, requires social media companies to identify and deactivate accounts operated by users below the age threshold or face possible sanctions, including restrictions or outright bans.

Authorities have given the platforms a 12-month transition period to comply with the directive.

“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” the state-run WAM news agency reported.

“Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.”

The restrictions go beyond account ownership, as children under 15 will also be barred from accessing key features of social media platforms.

According to WAM, minors will not be allowed to engage in social interactions, publish posts, comment, share content, join public groups or channels, or participate in large-scale interactive spaces online.

The UAE joins a growing list of countries taking action to limit children’s access to social media. Australia became the first country to impose a ban on users under 16 in December, while Britain announced similar measures earlier this week. Canada has also moved to strengthen protections for young internet users.

WAM said the country’s media and telecommunications regulators have been empowered to enforce the new rules and take action against platforms that fail to comply.

Possible penalties include warnings, partial or complete blocking of services, and other administrative sanctions.

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