The UAE government has issued a federal law decree concerning children’s digital safety, aimed at providing an effective legislative framework to protect children from digital risks and promote responsible technology use. This decree aligns with the UAE’s vision to enhance the quality of life for children, especially with 2026 designated as the “Year of the Family.”
Comprehensive Framework for Child Protection
The law decree represents a significant step toward protecting children from harmful digital content and practices that may adversely affect their overall and mental health. It fosters digital awareness among children and their caregivers, leading to a culture of positive and safe use of modern technologies.
Child Digital Safety Council
The law decree establishes the “Child Digital Safety Council,” chaired by the Minister of Family. The council functions as an advisory body aimed at achieving coordination among government and local entities. Its responsibilities include proposing policies and regulations necessary to ensure the highest levels of digital safety for children, in coordination with the Council for Education and Human Development.
Digital Platform Obligations
Digital platforms have a set of obligations toward child protection, including not collecting or processing data from children under 13 years old without parental consent. There is also an organized reporting mechanism for harmful content to ensure swift responses to digital exploitation cases.
Collaboration Between Service Providers and Parents
Internet service providers are urged to implement content filtering systems and promote safe internet use. The law decree also requires parents to continuously monitor their children’s digital activities and educate them on how to use technology safely and responsibly.
This decree is considered a historic milestone in the UAE’s efforts to enhance digital safety, calling on all stakeholders to exercise caution and collaborate to ensure the protection of children in a rapidly evolving digital world. Relevant parties must adhere to the guidelines within one year from the date of the law decree’s enactment.