The United Arab Emirates has announced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, becoming the latest country to introduce stricter rules aimed at protecting minors online.
According to a cabinet resolution issued on Thursday, social media platforms will be required to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users under 15 or face penalties, including the possibility of being blocked. Companies have been given a 12-month transition period to comply with the new regulations.
The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) said the resolution sets 15 as the minimum age for using social media.
Under the new rules, children below the age limit will not be allowed to create, use, or manage personal social media accounts. They will also be barred from accessing key platform features such as posting content, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, participating in open channels, and engaging in large-scale interactive spaces.
Authorities said the UAE's media and telecommunications regulators have been empowered to enforce the policy. Platforms that fail to comply could face warnings, administrative penalties, or partial or complete blocking.
The UAE joins a growing number of countries tightening social media regulations for children. Australia introduced a world-first ban on social media for users under 16 in December, while Britain announced similar measures earlier this week. Canada has also taken steps to strengthen online safety for young users.
