UAE Bans Social Media for Children Under 15 to Enhance Minor Protection

The UAE has introduced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, mandating digital platforms to implement rigorous age verification mechanisms. The federal directive aims to mitigate psychological risks associated with early social media exposure and protect minors from cyber-bullying and predatory behavior. Stricter Verification Protocols Under the new regulations, social media companies operating in the UAE must ensure that users meet the 15-year age requirement. Platforms failing to enforce these limits may face legal penalties or administrative restrictions. The move follows recommendations from the Federal National Council (FNC) regarding the impact of digital media on the physical and mental well-being of the nation's youth. The policy requires technology providers to adopt advanced tools to verify the identity and age of users during account creation. While the technical responsibility for blocking access lies with the platforms, the government has also emphasized the role of parents in monitoring digital activity and adhering to the updated age thresholds. Regional Digital Safety Measures This policy places the UAE among a group of nations tightening…