UAE to Fine Social Media Platforms for Failing to Block Under-15 Users
Abu Dhabi:The United Arab Emirates has announced strict new rules banning children under the age of **15** from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts.
Under the new regulations, the ban will apply **regardless of parental consent**, with authorities requiring platforms to implement **digital ID verification** and **AI-based age verification systems** to confirm users’ ages.
According to officials, social media companies will also be required to identify and close existing accounts belonging to users under 15. Platforms that fail to comply could face **fines and regulatory penalties**.
UAE authorities have given social media platforms a **12-month compliance period** to implement the new measures.
The decision, approved by the UAE Cabinet, is aimed at strengthening online child protection and ensuring that social media services enforce minimum age requirements more effectively.
