In a historic move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially passed a strict nationwide law banning all children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms.
The emergency decision makes the UAE the very first country in the Arab world to crack down on teenage internet use, sending shockwaves through the tech industry.
The New Rules: Total Block Click by Click
According to the official decree passed by the UAE Cabinet, tech giants have been given a strict 12-month timeline to clean up their platforms. The law leaves absolutely no room for compromises:
- Under 15 Years Old: Completely barred from creating, owning, or running any personal profile. They are entirely cut off from making comments, liking posts, joining public groups, or sharing media.
- Ages 15 and 16: Allowed to remain online but under extreme “electronic lockdowns.” They will face automatic screen-time limits, total blocks on stranger interactions, and hidden content filters.
No Self-Checking: AI and ID Checks Incoming
Many critics have argued that children will simply lie about their birthdays to stay online. However, the UAE has completely closed this loophole.
Recent updates reveal that platforms can no longer use simple “I am over 18” tick boxes. Instead, social media apps will be forced to use advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) facial scanning and official digital identity checks to verify exact ages.
Even more shocking, the law explicitly states that parental consent does not count. Even if a mother or father gives permission, the account is still considered illegal. Tech companies that fail to wipe out these accounts face massive financial fines or an immediate, total nationwide website block.
A Growing Global War on Apps
This heavy legislation drops at a time when major world powers are turning against tech giants due to soaring levels of cyberbullying, sleep deprivation, and dangerous online predators.
Data shows that children in the UAE spend an average of three hours a day glued to social feeds. By passing this law, the UAE joins an aggressive group of wealthy nations enforcing digital blocks. Australia pioneered the trend with a world-first under-16 ban, while Great Britain and Canada rolled out similar bans just days ago.
While health experts are celebrating the move to protect young minds, tech experts warn that erasing millions of teen profiles might backfire, forcing young children into unmonitored, hidden dark web spaces to communicate.
English