UAE introduces social media ban for users under 15

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a nationwide prohibition on social media usage for individuals younger than 15, joining other nations in efforts to restrict youths’ access to online platforms.

As stipulated in a recent cabinet resolution, social media companies must identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users under the age of 15 or risk facing sanctions, which may include restrictions and fines. The government has allowed platforms a 12-month period to adapt to these new rules.

The state-run WAM news agency reported that the resolution establishes 15 years as the minimum age for social media use.

The directive explicitly states that “children under this age are barred from creating, using, or managing personal accounts on social media platforms.”

These restrictions extend beyond account ownership; underage individuals will also be prohibited from fully utilizing features such as social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, or participating in large interactive spaces.

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This initiative mirrors similar measures taken by countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada. Australia enacted a significant ban on social media access for those under 16 in December, while the UK recently introduced analogous regulations.

WAM indicated that the UAE’s media and telecommunications regulators are authorized to ensure compliance and can take necessary actions against non-compliant social media platforms.

Penalties may include “warnings, partial or total blocking of platforms, or the application of administrative fines,” as outlined in the resolution.