The United Arab Emirates has introduced a nationwide rule that restricts social media access to children below 15. This move places strict limits on children’s online activity and adds the UAE to the growing list of countries working towards a global push for tighter digital regulation. Platforms have been given 12 months to remove accounts belonging to users under the age limit.
The Cabinet resolution marks a major step in the country’s digital child protection policy. It also places responsibility on social media companies to enforce age verification systems that go beyond self-declared birth dates.
Under the new rules, children below 15 will not be allowed to create or operate social media accounts in any form. The restriction covers posting, commenting, joining groups, and participating in public interactions.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still have access, but under controlled conditions such as content filtering, screen-time limits, and restrictions on unknown contacts.
The UAE joins the growing list of countries that have tightened rules on child access to social media.
Australia led the global shift in December 2025 with a nationwide ban for users under 16, followed by similar legislative moves across Europe and Asia.
The focus is now shifting from policy to enforcement. Governments confirm self-declared age checks are ineffective, as children can easily bypass them during sign-up.
To address this gap, regulators are pushing platforms toward stronger verification tools such as government ID checks, AI-based facial age estimation, mobile carrier verification, and device-level parental controls.
Australia’s law requires platforms to take ‘reasonable steps’ without mandating one technology. The UAE has adopted a similar flexible approach, requiring robust verification systems that go beyond basic entry forms.
Major companies have already begun updating systems:
Meta uses AI-based signals such as user behavior, friend networks, and activity patterns to detect underage accounts. Suspected users are shifted into restricted Teen Accounts.
TikTok combines facial age estimation, government ID checks, and Family Pairing tools that allow parents to control screen time and messaging access.
YouTube relies on Google identity systems, which may include ID verification or payment-based checks, depending on the region.
Roblox uses video selfie verification and ID checks, assigning users to age-based account types with restricted communication for younger players.
Snapchat focuses on parental supervision tools through its Family Centre, while X and Reddit still rely largely on self-declared age in many regions.
Australia’s enforcement has already led to large-scale action. Meta deleted nearly 550,000 underage accounts across its platforms soon after the law came into force. However, researchers say teenagers continue to find workarounds using VPNs, shared accounts, and platforms outside regulatory reach.
Supporters argue that stricter rules will reduce exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen use among children. Governments also point to rising concerns over mental health impacts linked to heavy social media use.
Critics warn that strict bans may push younger users toward less regulated platforms. Privacy advocates also raise concerns about large-scale identity checks and increased data sharing requirements.
As more countries prepare similar laws, the debate is shifting toward enforcement capacity and whether platforms can verify age accurately without jeopardising privacy or user safety.
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