Select Language:
The United Arab Emirates has enacted a new federal law designed to safeguard children from online threats, data exploitation, and harmful digital content, reflecting a more assertive international stance on protecting minors in the digital era.
This legislation aims to stop individuals worldwide from accessing, tracking, or engaging with children online, especially through the collection and utilization of personal information such as their interests, online activities, and skills.
According to the decree, digital platforms are now forbidden from gathering, processing, or sharing personal information of children under 13 unless it’s for specific purposes like education or health services. Children are also banned from creating profiles or accessing online games and digital activities that involve gambling or monetary betting.
The law applies to all digital platforms and internet service providers targeting users in the UAE or operating locally, including social media sites, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, streaming services, search engines, and e-commerce sites.
It mandates that platforms implement default privacy controls, verification systems to confirm age, content filtering, and age-appropriate content ratings. Additionally, internet providers are required to enable parental controls and obtain parental approval for children’s internet access.
To oversee these efforts, a Child Digital Safety Council, led by the Minister of Family, has been established to unify policy development, legislation, and educational campaigns on emerging digital risks.
This decree aligns with the UAE’s broader social policy objectives, notably its declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, emphasizing a commitment to strengthen family and child protection measures in an increasingly digital world.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
