New Digital Child Safety Laws

The UAE has introduced a new federal law to protect children from harmful digital content, highlighting the country’s commitment to child safety in the digital age. As children increasingly use the internet for education, entertainment, and communication, the law aims to create a safer and more controlled online environment for young users.

The law applies to a wide range of digital services, including social media platforms, online gaming services, video streaming platforms, and messaging applications. These platforms are required to introduce child-friendly design features, such as age-appropriate content ratings and default privacy settings for users under 18. Children must be protected from content that could harm their physical, psychological, or moral development, including violence, exploitation, and inappropriate material.

In addition, the law places limits on targeted advertising aimed at children. Digital platforms are not allowed to exploit children’s data or encourage excessive screen use through manipulative design features. Providers must also have clear systems for reporting harmful content and responding quickly when violations occur.

Internet service providers are also given responsibilities under the law. They must offer parental control tools and content-filtering options that allow parents and guardians to supervise their children’s online activity. These tools are intended to help families manage screen time and limit access to unsuitable content.

The law promotes shared responsibility between digital companies, parents, and authorities. While parents are encouraged to guide their children’s digital behaviour, government bodies will oversee enforcement and may impose penalties on companies that fail to comply.

Overall, the new law reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to digital regulation. By setting clear rules and expectations, it aims to ensure that children can benefit from technology while staying safe online.