Social Media Ban for Under-15

As concerns over children’s online safety continue to grow, the UAE has introduced new rules restricting social media use for children under the age of 15. The regulations aim to protect younger users from inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, excessive screen time, and the commercial use of their personal data.

Under the new rules, children below 15 will not be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts. Parental permission will not provide an exemption, meaning platforms must still prevent access even where a parent allows their child to use the service. The restrictions are expected to apply to major platforms that allow users to create profiles, share content, communicate with others, or receive recommended material. Users aged 15 and 16 may still be able to access social media, but platforms will be required to provide stronger safety measures. These may include age-appropriate content controls, limits on interactions, usage restrictions, and improved parental supervision tools.

A major part of the new system will be age verification. Social media companies will need to introduce more reliable methods of confirming users’ ages rather than depending only on the date of birth entered when an account is created. Platforms will also be expected to identify, restrict, or remove accounts that do not meet the new requirements.

The rules also limit how companies may use children’s personal information. Platforms will not be permitted to track younger users’ online activity in order to create advertising profiles or target them with personalised commercial content. This is intended to reduce the collection and commercial use of children’s data.

Technology companies will be given a transition period of up to 12 months to introduce the necessary systems. Platforms that fail to comply may face warnings, financial or administrative penalties, service restrictions, or possible blocking within the UAE.

The regulations form part of the UAE’s wider efforts to improve children’s digital safety. Parents will still be expected to supervise permitted online activity and teach responsible internet use, while platforms will carry greater responsibility for enforcing age limits and protecting younger users.

As implementation develops, residents may begin to see stronger identity checks, account restrictions, parental controls, and changes to platform features. Families are advised to monitor official announcements, as the exact verification methods and enforcement procedures may continue to develop.