In a move to enhance the protection of children in the digital environment, the United Arab Emirates has issued a decree regulating children’s access to social media platforms, setting the minimum age at 15 years for using these platforms. This decision aims to provide a safe and balanced digital environment, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to developing advanced models for protecting children from technology-related risks.
Objective of the Decree and Its Importance
The Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree regarding the regulation of children’s access to social media platforms. This step is part of the UAE’s efforts to establish frameworks for child protection in the digital space and enhance the digital safety system. With the increasing use of these platforms by children, various challenges have emerged, such as exposure to inappropriate content and risks arising from unsafe interactions. Therefore, the decree aims to empower children to use this technology in a safe environment that meets their varying age needs.
Key Details of the Decree
The decree specifies the minimum age for using social media platforms as 15 years. Under this decree, children below this age are prohibited from creating accounts or accessing the full features of the platforms, such as comments and participation in public groups. The decree also requires platforms to implement technical measures to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Children aged 15 to 16 are allowed to use the platforms but with special protective measures, such as content restrictions and regulated usage times.
Age Verification Mechanisms
The decree emphasizes the need for social media platforms to employ effective mechanisms for verifying users’ ages, such as digital identity and AI-supported technologies. It stresses that self-declarations will not be accepted as a means of verification, enhancing accuracy in determining users’ ages and reflecting the importance of protecting children’s personal data.
Mandatory Monitoring of Violations and Platform Obligations
The decree represents a fundamental step in enhancing the responsibility of social media platforms. It mandates them to monitor accounts violating the age restriction for children under 15 and take immediate action to suspend or disable such accounts. Additionally, these platforms are required to provide parental control tools and educational materials that promote safe internet usage for children.
These initiatives reinforce the family’s role in digital protection, as the decree alerts parents to the importance of not enabling their children to use the platforms illegally and raises their awareness of digital risks. The importance of adhering to the new laws remains a shared responsibility between the government and families.
As the decree reflects the UAE’s growing commitment to the safety of children in the digital space, it constitutes an effective step toward building a safe and sustainable digital community. This new framework is expected to enhance children’s digital experiences and provide comprehensive protection for them in the evolving world of technology.