The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new federal decree law focused on protecting children from online risks and promoting the responsible use of safe, age appropriate digital content. The legislation was announced on Friday as part of the country’s wider efforts to strengthen child welfare in an increasingly digital society. The move also comes ahead of 2026 being designated as the Year of the Family, reinforcing the UAE’s long term vision of enhancing the quality of life and overall well being of children. The law reflects growing awareness of the influence digital platforms have on younger users and the need for structured safeguards to address potential risks across online environments.
The decree law is designed to protect children from digital content and practices that could negatively affect their physical, psychological, or moral development. It establishes a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the responsibilities of relevant authorities, digital platforms, internet service providers, and caregivers. The legislation applies to all digital platforms and service providers operating within the UAE or targeting users in the country. This includes websites, search engines, messaging and smart applications, online forums, gaming platforms, social media networks, live streaming services, podcasts, video on demand platforms, and e commerce websites. By covering a broad range of digital services, the law aims to ensure consistent protection standards across platforms commonly accessed by children. Caregivers and guardians are also included under the framework, with specific obligations outlined to ensure children’s digital safety within home environments.
Under the new law, a National Child Digital Safety Council will be established and chaired by the Minister of Family. The council will be tasked with proposing policies, legislation, and national strategies aimed at maintaining high levels of online safety for children. A national system for classifying digital platforms based on their potential risks and impact on children has also been introduced. Platforms will be assessed based on their nature, type of content, usage volume, and overall influence. Based on these assessments, appropriate controls and age based restrictions will be applied. The legislation further restricts digital platforms from collecting, processing, publishing, or sharing personal data of children under the age of 13, except under specific permitted conditions. Platforms used for educational or health related purposes are exempt from this requirement, recognizing their role in supporting child development and wellbeing.
The decree outlines strict obligations for digital platforms and internet service providers, including the implementation of default privacy settings, age verification mechanisms, tools to enforce age restrictions, content filtering systems, age rating frameworks, and clear regulations governing targeted advertising. Platforms are also prohibited from allowing children to access or participate in online commercial games involving gambling or betting related activities. Internet service providers are required to activate network level filtering systems to block harmful content and ensure safer internet access for younger users. Guardians must sign terms of service that require the use of parental control tools, while caregivers are obligated to monitor children’s digital activities and avoid creating accounts on platforms that are not age appropriate or compliant with child protection standards. The law also introduces a clear reporting mechanism to address harmful content, ensuring timely action in cases involving online abuse or exploitation. As part of the broader framework, four supporting initiatives have been launched, including an Interactive Children’s Camp for ages five to 18, a Digital Wellbeing Portal for parents, training workshops for parents and teachers, and a support platform to respond to urgent parental concerns related to online safety.
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