UAE Bans Social Media Accounts for Children Under 15, First Arab Country to Set Minimum Age

The United Arab Emirates approved a resolution on June 18, 2026, setting the minimum age for social media use at 15 and becoming the first Arab country to impose such a restriction. Children under 15 are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts under the measure.

Teenagers aged 15 and 16 may continue using the platforms but must operate under enhanced safeguards that include age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on interaction with unknown users, screen-time management tools, and parental supervision features.

The rules apply to every platform that lets users create accounts or profiles, engage in social interaction, publish or share content, or rely on algorithmic systems to display, rank, or recommend material, whether the service is free or paid. Platforms must implement robust age-verification systems that rely on digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies; self-declaration of age is not accepted.

They are also required to disable accounts created by children under 15, block attempts to circumvent verification, and refrain from using children's personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.

Social media companies have up to 12 months to comply. Failure to meet the requirements could result in a platform being banned from operating in the UAE. The resolution covers all services available within the country or directed at users there.

The government said the measures address concerns over children's exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use, and the collection of personal data. The framework is presented as consistent with international efforts to strengthen online child protection while balancing digital access with safety.

Several countries, including Australia and others in Europe, have already moved to tighten restrictions on children's use of social media.