UAE sets 15 as minimum age for social media use

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has introduced a minimum age of 15 for the use of social media, making it the first Arab country to impose such a restriction as governments in different regions move to address concerns about the effect of online platforms on children.

Under a resolution approved on Thursday, children younger than 15 will not be allowed to create, use or operate personal social media accounts. According to the government’s media office, the ban also means they will be barred from posting material, commenting, sharing content or joining public groups.

The new framework also sets separate conditions for teenagers aged 15 and 16. They will still be able to access social media platforms, but only with stronger protections in place. These include controls suited to their age, limits on contact with unknown users, tools to manage screen time and features for parental oversight.

The rules apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE. Companies will be required to put in place strong age-verification systems, including digital identity checks and technologies supported by artificial intelligence. The authorities said self-declared age information will not be accepted as a valid means of verification.

Platforms will also have to deactivate accounts created by children under 15 and take steps to stop users from bypassing age-check systems. In addition, they will be barred from using children’s personal information for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.

The government said the measures are intended to respond to concerns over children being exposed to unsuitable content, unsafe interactions online, excessive use of social media and the harvesting of personal data.

Social media companies have been given up to 12 months to bring their systems into line with the new requirements. The UAE said the framework is in step with wider international efforts aimed at improving online child safety while maintaining a balance between digital access and protection.

Several countries, including Australia and others in Europe, have also moved to tighten rules on children’s access to social media as concern has grown over the platforms’ impact on mental health and online safety.