World ( The cow news digital ) The United Arab Emirates has announced a nationwide ban on the use of social media platforms by children under the age of 15, marking a significant regulatory step aimed at protecting minors in the digital space.
According to an official cabinet resolution reported by the state news agency WAM, social media platforms operating in the country will be required to monitor and deactivate accounts belonging to users below the age threshold. The directive also empowers authorities to block accounts that do not comply with the new regulation.
The government has given social media companies a 12-month transitional period to adjust their systems and ensure full compliance with the new rules. During this period, platforms are expected to strengthen age-verification mechanisms and implement stricter monitoring tools to prevent underage access.
Under the new policy, children under 15 will not be permitted to create, operate, or maintain personal accounts on any social media platform within the UAE. Officials say the measure is intended to address concerns over online safety, exposure to harmful content, and excessive screen time among minors.
The UAE’s decision places it among a growing number of countries tightening regulations on youth access to social media. Australia recently implemented a similar restriction banning users under 16 from accessing social platforms, becoming the first country to enforce such a nationwide measure.
Following Australia’s move, several other countries including the United Kingdom have introduced comparable policies, with London also announcing restrictions for users under 16. Nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and several European states have either implemented partial bans or introduced stricter regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting young users online.
With this latest decision, the UAE becomes the first Arab country to introduce a comprehensive social media age restriction at this level. Authorities in Abu Dhabi have emphasized that the policy is part of broader efforts to ensure digital well-being and safeguard children from potential online risks.
Tech analysts note that while the policy may improve child safety, it will also pose challenges for social media companies, particularly in enforcing accurate age verification without infringing on user privacy.
The implementation phase over the next year will be closely watched as platforms adapt to the new regulatory environment and governments evaluate its effectiveness in reducing online risks for minors.
