The UAE has become the first Arab nation to ban social media for children under 15, following similar moves by the UK government. The new regulations prohibit minors from creating, operating, or using personal social media accounts, restricting their ability to post content, comment, share posts, or join public groups.

For those aged 15 to 16, access remains possible but comes with strict conditions including age-appropriate content controls, interaction limits with unknown users, screen-time management tools, and mandatory parental supervision features. The rules reflect growing global concern about children's exposure to online risks and inappropriate content.

Social media platforms must implement age verification systems using digital identity checks and AI-supported technologies, rejecting simple self-declaration methods. Companies have one year to comply and must disable accounts previously created by underage users while preventing system circumvention.

This regulation places significant responsibility on tech companies to police their platforms, potentially reshaping how social media services operate in the region and influencing similar legislation elsewhere.