The United Arab Emirates has announced new social media regulations, becoming the first Arab nation to set a minimum age requirement for platform users. Under the new rules, children under 15 will not be allowed to create or operate personal social media accounts.
The decision aims to improve online safety and protect young users from harmful content, privacy risks, and excessive screen time. Children below the age limit will be unable to post, comment, share content, or join public online groups.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 can continue using social media, but with added protections. These include parental supervision tools, limits on interactions with unknown users, age-appropriate content filters, and screen-time controls.
Social media companies operating in the UAE will be required to introduce stronger age-verification systems. Platforms must use digital identity checks and advanced technologies to confirm users’ ages. Simply entering a birth date will no longer be enough.
The regulations also prevent companies from using children’s personal information for targeted advertising and behavioral tracking. Accounts found to belong to children under 15 must be removed.
Social media platforms have been given up to one year to comply with the new requirements.
The UAE says the move is designed to create a safer digital environment for young people while maintaining responsible access to online services. The decision reflects a growing global trend as countries seek better ways to protect children in the digital age.