The United Arab Emirates has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, becoming the latest country to introduce restrictions aimed at protecting young users online.
Under the new policy, social media companies will be required to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users below the age threshold or face sanctions that could include partial or complete blocking of their platforms.
The measure, approved through a cabinet resolution and reported by the state-run WAM news agency on Thursday, gives social media platforms a 12-month transition period to comply.
According to the resolution, 15 will now be the minimum age for social media use in the UAE.
Children younger than 15 will not be allowed to create, operate or use personal social media accounts. They will also be restricted from accessing key platform features such as posting content, commenting, sharing material, interacting with other users, joining public groups or participating in large online communities.
The move places the UAE among a growing number of countries tightening regulations around children’s access to social media. Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for under-16s in December, while Britain recently announced similar restrictions. Canada has also taken steps aimed at limiting young users’ exposure to social media platforms.
UAE authorities said the country’s media and telecommunications regulators have been empowered to enforce compliance and take action against platforms that fail to follow the new rules.
Possible penalties include official warnings, administrative sanctions and, in some cases, partial or full blocking of social media services within the country.
The government says the measure is intended to create a safer digital environment for children and reduce their exposure to online risks.
