On 18 June 2026, a Cabinet Resolution introduced a minimum social media age of fifteen years. The UAE has become the first Arab nation to introduce such restrictions. The growing concern over children’s exposure to harmful online content has led to this significant change, which is to be followed by all digital platforms.

The concerning surge in cyberbullying, exposure to harmful and inappropriate content, online exploitation, and excessive screen time has created the need for a resolution that seeks to balance children’s access to technology with digital safety. The growing concern regarding mental health issues arising from exposure to social media has made this change vital for the healthy development of children.

Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025 Regarding Child Digital Safety was issued in October 2025 and came into effect on 1 January 2026. Digital platforms were granted a one-year compliance period to implement the requirements laid down under the law. While the CDS Law introduced foundational obligations relating to age verification, privacy protections, parental controls, content moderation, and enforcement, the Resolution establishes a clear minimum age of 15 years for social media use and provides greater operational clarity regarding platform compliance.

How the Resolution Implements the CDS Law?

Age Verification Requirements

Article 8 of the CDS Law requires digital platforms operating in the UAE or directed at UAE users to adopt effective and reasonable age-verification mechanisms, standards, and procedures to reduce the risks posed by digital platforms and their content.

Age-Based Restrictions and Content Controls

The requirement that children aged 15–16 receive regulated access with content restrictions and interaction controls reflects Article 10(1)(b) and Article 10(1)(c) of the CDS Law, which require platforms to:

  1. Implement age-based controls and restrictions.
  2. Apply age verification systems.

Enforcement Powers

The Resolution’s enforcement mechanisms are grounded in Article 10(3) of the CDS Law, which authorises the competent authorities to take action against non-compliant platforms.

Key Requirements Under the Resolution

Children Under 15

  1. Cannot create social media accounts.
  2. Cannot operate personal social media accounts.
  3. Cannot access full platform features.

Children Aged 15–16

  1. Permitted access subject to safeguards.
  2. Age-appropriate content.
  3. Restricted interactions.
  4. Usage controls.
  5. Enhanced privacy settings.
  6. Parental supervision tools.

Obligations Imposed on Social Media Platforms

  1. Age verification mechanisms.
  2. Continuous account monitoring.
  3. Content filtering.
  4. Parental controls.
  5. Reporting tools.
  6. Compliance reporting obligations.

What Businesses and Digital Platforms Should Do Now?

Platforms should:

  1. Review age-verification systems.
  2. Conduct compliance audits.
  3. Update privacy policies.
  4. Introduce parental control tools.
  5. Review content moderation procedures.
  6. Implement UAE-specific compliance obligations before the applicable compliance deadline.

Conclusion

The introduction of a minimum social media age of 15 marks a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to enhance child digital safety and strengthen platform accountability. By combining age-verification requirements, parental controls, and content safeguards, the framework seeks to create a safer online environment for children while maintaining access to the benefits of technology. As the compliance deadline approaches, digital platforms should proactively assess their systems and policies to ensure alignment with the new regulatory requirements.

We at Ayesha Aldhaheri Lawyers & Legal Consultants, we closely monitor legal and regulatory developments across the UAE and remain committed to keeping businesses and individuals informed of significant legislative changes.