The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned children under 15 from using social media. This makes them the first Arab country to set a minimum age for online platforms.
Kids under 15 are not allowed to create accounts, post, comment, share, or join groups. Teens aged 15 to 16 can still use social media, but only with strict controls. These include content filters, limits on unknown interactions, screen time management, and parental supervision tools.
Social media companies must also set up strong age checks. Digital identity verification and AI systems will be required. Self‑declared ages will no longer be accepted. Existing accounts of children under 15 will be disabled. Platforms must also stop children’s data from being used for ads or profiling.
Companies will have 12 months to follow the new rules. The UAE says the framework is part of a broader global effort to protect minors online. Similar measures are already in place in Australia, Europe, and parts of Asia.
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This move could inspire new policies on social media in other regions. Governments worldwide will be watching the UAE as it enforces these rules, and more bans may follow as nations look to strengthen child online safety.
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