DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new federal law aimed at protecting children from online predators, data abuse and harmful digital practices, signaling a tougher global approach to child safety in the digital age.
The legislation seeks to prevent strangers from anywhere in the world from accessing, monitoring or interacting with children online, particularly through the collection and use of personal data such as a child’s interests, online behavior and abilities.
According to the legislative decree, digital platforms are prohibited from collecting, processing or sharing personal data of children under the age of 13, except in limited cases such as education or health services. Children are also prohibited from creating accounts or accessing online games and digital activities that involve gambling or gambling.
The law applies to digital platforms and internet service providers operating in the UAE or targeting users in the country, including social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, streaming services, search engines and e-commerce websites.
It requires platforms to introduce default privacy settings, age verification systems, content filtering and age rating tools, while internet service providers must enable content controls and ensure parental consent for children’s internet use.
A Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister for Families, has been established to coordinate policy, legislative and awareness campaigns on emerging digital risks.
The decree is part of the UAE’s wider social policy agenda, following the country’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, reflecting a wider push to strengthen family and child protection frameworks in an increasingly digital world.
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