ABU DHABI (Kashmir English): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a new federal decree-law aimed at protecting children from online risks.
The new regulations would help promote responsible use of safe, age-appropriate digital content, as part of broader efforts to safeguard child welfare.
The legislation comes ahead of 2026 being designated the Year of the Family, reflecting the UAE’s vision to enhance the quality of life and well-being of children in an increasingly digital environment.
The law has been introduced to safeguard minors from digital content and activities that could negatively impact their physical, psychological, or moral well-being.
It outlines a comprehensive governance structure, defining the responsibilities of authorities, digital platforms, internet service providers, and caregivers.
The decree applies to all relevant entities operating within or targeting users in the UAE, which encompass a wide array of services including websites and search engines; messaging and smart applications; forums and online gaming platforms; social media platforms; and live streaming services.
This legislation aims to promote the responsible use of safe, age-appropriate digital content and establish clear guidelines for online interactions.
UAE to have Child Digital Safety Council
Under the new legislation, a National Child Digital Safety Council will be established. The council will be responsible for proposing policies, legislation and strategies to ensure the highest levels of online safety for children.
The law also suggests a national system for classifying digital platforms based on their potential risks and impact on children.
Platforms will be assessed according to their type, content, usage volume and influence, with controls and age-based restrictions applied accordingly.
Furthermore, digital platforms are prohibited from collecting, processing, publishing or sharing personal data of children under the age of 13, except under specific conditions. However, platforms used for educational or health purposes are exempt from this restriction.
Internet service providers are required to activate filtering systems on their networks to block harmful content and ensure safer internet use for children. This includes mandating guardians to sign terms of service that require the use of parental control tools.
