UAE bans social media for under-15s, sets 15 as minimum age

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 15, joining a growing global trend. A new Cabinet resolution mandates that social media platforms must review and remove all accounts belonging to individuals under 15 within a year, or face a complete ban. State news agency WAM reported that the minimum age for social media use is now 15, prohibiting younger children from creating or operating personal accounts.

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The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years. Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using or operating personal accounts.

The government stated the resolution addresses concerns about children's exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media usage, and the collection of personal data. This move makes the UAE the first Arab nation to curb teen access to social media. Australia previously enacted a similar ban for those under 16, citing mental health and cyber bullying concerns. Other countries like Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and several European nations have also tightened restrictions on teen social media use.

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The resolution seeks to address concerns over exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interaction, excessive social media use and the collection of children's personal data.

Critics argue that such bans are difficult to enforce and can limit children's social connections. The UAE's resolution aligns with "leading global trends in digital child protection," according to WAM, preventing children from accessing features like social interaction, publishing, commenting, and joining public groups. Telecommunications authorities in the UAE will have the power to take measures against non-compliant platforms. Teens aged 15 and 16 will still be able to use social media but with enhanced safety features, including age-appropriate content controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on interacting with unknown users.

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The new resolution aligns with "leading global trends in digital child protection," barring children from "accessing the full features of [social media] platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces."