New UAE law tightens rules on digital platforms to safeguard children

The United Arab Emirates has issued a new federal decree law aimed at protecting children from online risks and promoting the responsible use of safe, age-appropriate digital content, as part of broader efforts to safeguard child welfare.

The legislation, announced on Friday, comes ahead of 2026 being designated the Year of the Family and reflects the UAE’s vision to enhance the quality of life and well-being of children in an increasingly digital environment.

The law seeks to protect children from digital content and practices that could harm their physical, psychological or moral development. It also establishes a comprehensive framework defining the responsibilities of relevant authorities, digital platforms and caregivers.

The decree applies to internet service providers and digital platforms operating within the UAE or targeting users in the country. These include websites, search engines, messaging and smart applications, forums, online gaming platforms, social media, live streaming services, podcasts, video-on-demand platforms and e-commerce websites.

Those responsible for the care of children are also covered under the law, with specific obligations outlined to ensure digital safety.

Read More: Google introduces long-awaited option to modify Gmail usernames

National council established

Under the new legislation, a National Child Digital Safety Council will be established and chaired by the Minister of Family. The council will be responsible for proposing policies, legislation and strategies to ensure the highest levels of online safety for children.

The law also introduces 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.

Digital platforms are prohibited from collecting, processing, publishing or sharing personal data of children under the age of 13, except under specific conditions. Platforms used for educational or health purposes are exempt from this restriction.

Obligations for platforms and service providers

The decree outlines strict obligations for digital platforms, including the implementation of default privacy settings, age-verification mechanisms, tools to enforce age restrictions, content filtering and age-rating systems, and regulations governing targeted advertising.

Platforms are also barred from allowing children to participate in or access online commercial games involving gambling or betting-related activities.

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.

Caregivers, meanwhile, are obligated to monitor children’s digital activities, use parental control technologies, and refrain from creating accounts for children on platforms that are not age-appropriate or compliant with child protection standards.

The law also sets out a clear mechanism for reporting harmful content, ensuring swift action in cases involving online abuse or exploitation.

Initiatives to boost digital safety

As part of the framework, four sub-initiatives have been launched to enhance children’s digital safety. These include an Interactive Children’s Camp for ages five to 18 to promote safe internet use; a Digital Wellbeing Portal offering tools and guidance for parents; training workshops for parents and teachers to address digital threats; and a support platform to respond to urgent parental queries related to online safety.