UAE bans social media platforms for under-15s
What's the story
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. The move comes as part of a wider trend among countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada. Under the new cabinet resolution, social media platforms will have to monitor and disable accounts created by users below this age or face being blocked.
Age restriction
Minimum age for social media use set at 15
The Emirates News Agency (also known as WAM) reported the cabinet resolution, which sets the minimum age for social media use at 15. It prohibits children below this age from creating, using, or managing personal accounts on social media platforms. They are also barred from accessing all features of such platforms, including socializing, publishing content, commenting on posts, and joining public groups or channels.
Enforcement powers
Media and telecommunications bodies empowered to take action
The UAE's media and telecommunications bodies have been given the power to take all necessary measures against social media platforms that fail to comply with this new rule. These actions could include warning or partially/fully blocking these platforms, or imposing applicable administrative penalties. The resolution gives a 12-month transition period for social media companies to comply with these new regulations.
Global trend
UAE 1st Arab country to impose such a ban
The UAE's decision to set a minimum age for social media use at 15 makes it the first Arab country to do so. The move comes as part of a global trend of tightening rules around children's use of social media. Australia, for instance, has banned children under 16 from having accounts on major platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
International response
Similar restrictions in other countries
Other countries are also considering similar restrictions. The UK is mulling restrictions for children under 16, targeting social media platforms and gaming/livestreaming services that let kids interact with strangers. Malaysia and Indonesia have already enforced age-based restrictions requiring platforms to block registrations by those under 16 to protect them from cyberbullying, online scams and harmful content.