UAE introduces minimum age of 15 for social media with strict verification rules

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new rule setting the minimum age for social media use at 15, becoming the first Arab country to impose such a restriction.

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new rule setting the minimum age for social media use at 15, becoming the first Arab country to impose such a restriction. Under the decision, children under 15 will no longer be allowed to create or operate personal accounts on social media platforms. The government said the move is aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting young users from harmful or inappropriate digital content.

According to the new regulations approved on Thursday, children below 15 will be fully restricted from using social media in an active way. This includes posting content, commenting on posts, sharing material, or joining public groups. Officials said the goal is to reduce exposure to online risks that can affect children’s mental health, behaviour and personal development.

Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still be permitted to access social media platforms, but only under stricter conditions. These include parental supervision features, screen time management tools, limits on interactions with unknown users, and content filters designed specifically for younger audiences. The authorities said these safeguards are necessary to ensure safer use of digital platforms among minors who are still in a vulnerable stage of development.

The rules will apply to all social media companies operating within the UAE. Platforms will be required to implement strong age verification systems that go beyond simple self declaration. Instead, companies must use digital identity verification methods and artificial intelligence based tools to confirm users’ real age. The government has made it clear that simply entering a date of birth will no longer be accepted as valid proof.

In addition, social media companies will be required to remove accounts belonging to users under the age of 15. They must also ensure that children cannot bypass verification systems or create new accounts using false information. Another key requirement is that platforms must not use children’s personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling, which has been a growing concern globally.

The UAE government said the policy is part of a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for children and teenagers. Officials pointed to risks such as exposure to harmful content, online harassment, unsafe interactions with strangers and excessive screen time. They also stressed the importance of protecting children’s privacy in an era where personal data is widely collected and analysed by online platforms.

Social media companies have been given a period of up to 12 months to fully comply with the new regulations. During this time, they are expected to update their systems, strengthen verification tools and introduce new safety features for younger users.

The UAE said the new framework is aligned with international trends in digital regulation. Several countries, including Australia and a number of European nations, have already introduced or are considering similar measures to limit or regulate children’s access to social media. These efforts are largely driven by growing global concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, attention spans and online safety among young users.

With this decision, the UAE has positioned itself among the countries taking the most strict approach to child protection in the digital space, signalling a stronger regulatory direction for technology companies operating in the region.