UAE Sets 15 as Minimum Age for Social Media Use, Introduces AI-Based Age Verification

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the landmark move to strengthen the online child safety by setting minimum 15 years of age for the social media use. As per the new regulations, those children who are under 15 will no longer be allowed to create or operate the personal social media accounts, while platforms must have to adopt advanced age-verification technologies which includes the artificial intelligence tools.

What Has the UAE Announced?

The UAE government has approved the new framework that prohibits children under the age of 15 from creating, using or managing the personal social media accounts.

The regulation applies across all the social media platforms which are operating in the country.

Children who are under 15 will not be permitted to post the content, comment on posts, share materials or participate in public groups via personal accounts.

The decision showcases the increasing global concerns about the effects of the social media on the children’s mental health, online safety and digital well-being.

The UAE has become the first Arab nation to establish such a nationwide minimum age requirement for the social media use and it marks the significant milestone in the regional digital governance.

Key Features of the New Social Media Rules

This new framework introduces the several important measures that are designed to protect the children and teenagers online.

Children below the age of 15 will be prohibited from to creating or operating any personal social media accounts.

Social media companies will be also required to identify and to remove accounts belonging to those users who do not meet the minimum age requirement.

One of the most notable aspects of the regulation is the mandatory use of the advanced age-verification technologies.

Platforms must implement the,

• Digital identity verification systems
• AI-based age estimation tools
• Enhanced account authentication mechanisms

Additionally the self-declared age information will no longer be considered as the sufficient proof of eligibility.

This move aims to reduce the ease with which minors who can bypass the age restrictions by providing the inaccurate birth dates during account registration.

Stronger Protection for Teen Users

Teenagers who are aged between 15 and 16 will still be allowed to access the social media platforms. However, companies must provide the additional safeguards specifically designed for younger users.

These protections includes the,

• Age-appropriate content recommendations
• Restrictions on the communication with unknown individuals
• Screen-time management features
• Enhanced privacy settings
• Parental supervision tools

The goal is to create the safer digital environment while allowing the teenagers to benefit from online communication and learning opportunities.

Why Is the UAE Taking This Step?

The rapid growth of the social media usage among children has raised the several concerns worldwide.

Experts and policymakers have increasingly highlighted that the several risks are associated with the unrestricted social media access which includes the,

• Exposure to Harmful Content
• Online Safety Risks
• Excessive Screen Time
• Data Privacy Concerns