The UAE has enacted a new federal law to regulate children’s safety in the digital space, placing binding obligations on digital platforms, internet service providers and child caregivers.
The decree-law sets a nationwide framework aimed at limiting children’s exposure to harmful online content and practices that affect their physical, psychological and moral well-being. It applies to all major digital services operating in or targeting the UAE, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, streaming services and e-commerce sites.
Under the legislation, digital platforms must adopt default privacy settings, introduce age verification tools, enforce age-based access controls, regulate targeted advertising and activate content filtering and rating systems. Platforms are also barred from allowing children to participate in online gambling or money-based betting activities.
The law restricts the collection and use of personal data of children under 13, with limited exemptions for education and health platforms subject to Cabinet approval and additional safeguards.
Internet service providers are required to implement network-level content filtering and ensure parental supervision mechanisms are in place, including mandatory acceptance of terms by a child’s guardian.
The decree-law also assigns clear responsibilities to caregivers, including monitoring children’s online activity, using parental control tools and avoiding the creation of accounts on platforms that are not age-appropriate.
To oversee implementation, the legislation establishes a Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family, to coordinate policy, propose regulations and monitor emerging digital risks. The Ministry of Family and local authorities are tasked with developing programs to support compliance and manage reports of online abuse or exploitation involving children.