UAE sets minimum age for social media users at 15

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UAE sets minimum age for social media users at 15

June 18, 2026

DUBAI,— Children in the United Arab Emirates must now be at least 15 years old to use social media, after authorities approved the first such rule in the Arab world, part of a wider global push to shield young people from online platforms.

The resolution, cleared on Thursday, stops anyone under 15 from setting up or running a personal social media account.

The government’s media office said this means younger children cannot post material, leave comments, share posts or take part in public groups.

Those aged 15 and 16 may keep using social media, though new protections will apply. The list includes content filters suited to a user’s age, fewer chances to interact with unknown people, screen-time limits and tools allowing parents to keep watch.

Every social media platform active in the UAE falls under the rules. Firms will need stronger age-checking systems, among them digital ID verification and artificial intelligence based methods.

A user simply claiming an age will no longer satisfy the requirement.

Companies must additionally close out any accounts opened by children under 15, stop people from dodging the verification steps, and end the use of children’s personal data for targeted advertising or behavioral profiling.

Photo: Creative Commons/Andrea Piacquadio/pexels

Authorities said the changes respond to worries about children encountering inappropriate material, risky contact online, heavy social media use and the gathering of personal data.

Platforms have a window of up to 12 months to fall in line with the regulations.

The UAE described the policy as consistent with global moves to protect children online without cutting off their digital access entirely.

Other nations, among them Australia and a number in Europe, have already tightened rules around younger users and social media, pointing to rising concern over mental health and safety on the internet.

In 2025, the United Arab Emirates issued a federal decree-law to strengthen protections for children online.

The law sets out a wide legal framework covering online safety, data protection and rules for age-appropriate content aimed at young users.

Human rights groups argue that mandatory age-verification requirements are part of a broader trend that is rapidly eroding online anonymity.

They contend that laws requiring digital identity checks before accessing social media or online services effectively force people to surrender their privacy simply to participate on the internet.

Critics describe the expansion of digital ID systems and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements as an unacceptable intrusion into personal freedoms.

The UAE is frequently cited by critics as an example of extensive internet regulation. The country imposes strict controls on online activity, including restrictions involving VPN use, messaging services such as Messenger and WhatsApp, adult and no-adults websites, and the photographing of other people.

Critics also allege that individuals can face severe penalties for recording or sharing images of events that authorities believe could damage the country’s carefully managed public image, including footage of explosions.

While UAE authorities say such measures are necessary to prevent the spread of false information, critics, observers, and human rights advocates argue that the government positions itself as the sole arbiter of truth.

They contend that dissenting views or information that conflicts with official narratives can face punishment.

According to the reports, more than 1,000 tourists and residents have faced imprisonment and substantial fines for publishing videos of explosions linked to Iranian attacks.

Watch dogs further warn that even social media comments criticizing the UAE, including posts made many years earlier, could potentially attract scrutiny and create problems for individuals traveling to the UAE.

(With files from Reuters, Agencies)