UAE sets minimum social media age at 15, mandates strict age verification for users

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a landmark regulation setting the minimum age for accessing social media platforms at 15 years, alongside mandatory age verification requirements for all users, officials announced on Thursday.

Under the new policy, children below 15 years will not be allowed to create or operate social media accounts, including posting, commenting, sharing content or joining online groups. The move is aimed at strengthening online child protection and reducing exposure to harmful digital content.

Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will be permitted to use social media but only under strict safeguards, including age-appropriate content filters, restrictions on interaction with unknown users, screen-time controls and enhanced parental supervision tools.

The regulation also places strict compliance obligations on social media companies operating in the UAE. Platforms will be required to implement robust age verification systems, including digital ID checks and AI-based verification methods, while also ensuring that underage accounts are deactivated and cannot be easily recreated.

Authorities said the new framework is designed to address growing concerns over children’s online safety, excessive screen time, data privacy risks and exposure to inappropriate content. Platforms will also be prohibited from using children’s data for targeted advertising or profiling.

Social media companies have been given a transition period of up to 12 months to fully comply with the new rules, marking one of the most comprehensive child-focused digital safety frameworks in the region.