UAE to fine social media platforms over underage users

Social media platforms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will face fines if they fail to prevent underage children from accessing their services.

Under the new regulations, children under the age of 15 will no longer be allowed to create or use social media accounts even with parental consent.

According to reports, platforms will be required to implement digital ID verification and AI-based age verification systems to confirm users identities. Companies that fail to comply with these requirements may face financial penalties and possible restrictions.

UAE authorities have also instructed social media companies to close existing accounts belonging to children under 15. Platforms have been given 12 months to fully implement the new rules.

According to Arab media, the UAE Cabinet has officially approved a complete ban on creating, using or operating personal social media accounts for children under the age of 15 across all social media platforms.