The UAE has introduced a new social media law. Announced on Thursday, the law creates a digital safety regime that sets age limits, parental controls and penalties for non‑compliant platforms. It aims to protect children online while outlining duties for parents, platforms and regulators.
Key Provisions of the New Law Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2026 defines the scope of the regime. It applies to any service that lets users create public or semi‑public profiles, interact socially, publish content or use algorithmic recommendations. The rule covers both free and paid services, regardless of where the operator is based, as long as the service is available in the UAE or directed at UAE users.
The resolution also addresses advertising limits and data‑privacy requirements, ensuring that platforms handle children’s data responsibly and that ads are not targeted at under‑age users. Under the resolution, parental consent cannot override the age restriction and a simple date‑of‑birth declaration is insufficient. Platforms must detect and disable accounts belonging to children under 15, while users who are 15 but not yet 16 may only access social media with extra protections built into their accounts. These protections include limiting public sharing functions, restricting interactions with unknown users, and designing feeds to avoid risky features. Caregiver duties are also outlined, requiring parents to supervise and guide their children’s online activity in line with the law.
Enforcement, Penalties and Compliance Timeline The law gives regulators the power to issue warnings, impose administrative penalties, partially block, totally block or even close non‑compliant platforms. Penalties are prescribed under the Child Digital Safety Law, which lists specific sanctions for violations. Companies are given 12 months to align their systems with the new requirements, a timeline intended to give operators sufficient opportunity to implement age‑verification and content‑restriction mechanisms. If a platform fails to meet its obligations, authorities may take action ranging from warnings to full closure. The enforcement framework applies uniformly, whether the service is operated locally or internationally, ensuring that any platform accessible in the UAE must comply with the age‑verification and content‑restriction rules. By setting clear standards, the regime seeks to create a safer digital environment for young users across the country.
Frequently asked questions
What age limit does the UAE social media law set for users? The law requires platforms to disable accounts belonging to children under 15, while 15‑year‑old users may access social media only with extra protections built into their accounts.
When will platforms have to comply with the new UAE social media regulations? Companies are given 12 months from the law’s publication to align their systems with the new age‑verification and content‑restriction requirements.
What penalties can regulators impose on non‑compliant platforms under the UAE law? Regulators can issue warnings, levy administrative penalties, partially block, totally block, or even close platforms that fail to meet their obligations, as prescribed under the Child Digital Safety Law.
Can parental consent override the age restriction for children under 15 on social media in the UAE? No. The resolution states that parental consent cannot override the age restriction, and a simple date‑of‑birth declaration is insufficient for users under 15.
Which types of services are covered by the UAE social media law? The law applies to any service that lets users create public or semi‑public profiles, interact socially, publish content or use algorithmic recommendations, covering both free and paid services regardless of operator location, as long as the service is available in the UAE or directed at UAE users.
What protections are required for 15‑year‑old users under the new UAE law? Platforms must limit public sharing functions, restrict interactions with unknown users, and design feeds to avoid risky features, providing extra safeguards built into the accounts of 15‑year‑old users.
Source: Khaleej Times
