New UAE Ruling: Social Media Use Restricted for Under-15s
The UAE Implements New Social Media Age Restrictions
Following a recent trend of stricter digital regulation, the UAE has become the first Arab nation to officially restrict social media access for younger users, setting the minimum age at 15. This move mirrors recent legislative pushes seen in other parts of the world, such as the UK’s similar ban for those under 16.
Under the new mandate, children under 15 are effectively barred from creating or managing personal social media profiles. This means no posting, commenting, or interacting within public social feeds. It’s a significant shift in how digital platforms are accessed in the region.
What About Older Teens?
For those aged 15 to 16, access isn’t being cut off entirely, but it will come with guardrails. These users will be allowed on platforms, provided that safety measures are in place. This includes active parental supervision, strict screen-time management, restricted interactions with strangers, and curated, age-appropriate content filters.
The Burden on Tech Platforms
The responsibility for enforcing these rules falls heavily on the platforms themselves. Tech companies are now required to move beyond simple ‘click-to-confirm’ age checks. They must implement robust digital identity verification systems. Relying on self-declaration is no longer an option.
Furthermore, platforms are tasked with:
- Disabling accounts that fall below the 15-year threshold.
- Preventing users from finding creative ways to bypass age verification.
- Halting the use of minors’ personal data for targeted advertising or behavioral tracking.
Social media giants have exactly one year to get these systems in place and compliant with the new laws. It’s a tall order, but one that signals a major change in the landscape of digital safety for the next generation.
