First in the Arab World: UAE Restricts Social Media Use for Children Under 15
In a groundbreaking move for the Arab world, the UAE has announced a minimum age limit of 15 years for children’s use of social media platforms. This new policy, implemented by the Council of Ministers, aims to protect children from the increasing digital risks they may encounter while using these platforms. These measures are part of broader efforts involving other Arab countries seeking to impose similar restrictions.
Reasons for the New Decision
The UAE council explained that the rising use of social media by children has led to numerous challenges, including exposure to inappropriate content and unsafe interactions. Additionally, concerns regarding personal data collection and excessive usage behaviors were highlighted. Therefore, the decision was made to mitigate these risks and protect children from potential negative influences.
Details of the Decision
The decision prohibits children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, meaning they cannot create accounts or fully engage with content. They are also barred from participating in public groups or open channels. The decision requires social media platforms to implement effective measures to verify users’ ages, such as using digital identification or AI-supported technologies.
Supervision and Monitoring
To enforce this policy, the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority have been tasked with overseeing social media platforms’ compliance with the new regulations. Platforms have been given a grace period of up to 12 months to adjust their operations according to these laws, and the decision states that actions such as warnings or blocking may be taken if any violations are discovered.
Current Situation in the UAE
Recent data shows that the number of internet users in the UAE has reached 11.3 million, reflecting a significant penetration rate of 99% of the total population. However, these new regulations come as a necessary step to ensure the safety of children in the digital space, especially considering the increase in active identities on social media platforms, estimated at around 12.5 million in recent times.