The UAE bans under-15s from using social media
The United Arab Emirates is taking a major step to protect young internet users. The country has announced a new rule banning children under 15 from using social media platforms.
As a result, companies that fail to remove underage accounts could face serious consequences, including being blocked. To help platforms adjust, the government has given them a 12-month transition period before full enforcement begins.
According to the official WAM news agency, the new policy leaves little room for confusion. “The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” the cabinet resolution stated. It also added that “Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.” In simple terms, anyone younger than 15 will no longer be allowed to own or run a personal social media account.
However, the restriction goes beyond just opening an account. The resolution says under-15s are also barred from “accessing the full features of such platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces”. This means affected users will not be able to freely post content, engage in discussions, or participate in large online communities.
Meanwhile, the UAE is not acting alone. The move follows similar actions in countries such as Australia, Britain, and Canada, all of which are tightening rules around children’s access to social media. Regulators in the UAE have also been given strong enforcement powers.
WAM said authorities have the “authority to take all necessary measures (against social media platforms in the event of non-compliance”. With governments around the world paying closer attention to online safety, the debate over how young people should use social media is only getting bigger.
