UAE(The COW News Digital)The United Arab Emirates has officially enforced a new Child Digital Safety Law aimed at protecting minors from online risks, placing significant legal responsibility on both parents and digital platforms operating within the country.
According to Arab media reports, the law introduces strict regulations on how children’s personal data is collected, stored, and used online. Under the new framework, personal data of children under the age of 13 cannot be processed without explicit, written, and verifiable consent from parents or legal guardians. Social media platforms are also required to provide a simple and immediate mechanism for parents to withdraw consent at any time, without justification.
The legislation places a complete ban on the commercial use of children’s data, including targeted advertising and profiling. Authorities have emphasized that minors must not be treated as commercial audiences under any circumstances.
In addition, online gambling, betting services, and commercial gaming platforms are now fully prohibited for users under the age of 18. The move is part of a broader effort to curb digital addiction, financial exploitation, and exposure to harmful online environments.
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For the first time, the law makes parental supervision a legal obligation rather than a moral responsibility. Parents and guardians are now required to actively monitor, manage, and protect their children’s online activities. Failure to take reasonable safety measures could result in penalties of up to one million dirhams, according to reports cited by The Times of India.
The scope of the law extends beyond companies based in the UAE. All foreign social media platforms, gaming applications, websites, and online services accessible within the country fall under its jurisdiction. These platforms must implement age verification systems, content filtering tools, parental control options, and strict restrictions on advertisements targeting children.
Internet service providers and digital platforms have also been assigned defined responsibilities to ensure compliance, marking a comprehensive regulatory approach to child online protection.
Authorities have instructed parents to immediately report any pornographic, harmful, or inappropriate content targeting children to relevant government bodies. Officials say rapid reporting will help strengthen enforcement and prevent repeat violations.
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of the move. In the UAE, 72 percent of children aged between 8 and 12 reportedly use smartphones daily, while only 43 percent of parents regularly monitor their online activity.
Officials say the new law signals a shift in policy, transforming child digital safety into a legally enforceable priority amid the rapid expansion of digital media.
