The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined a growing list of nations imposing restrictions on social media access for minors. A new cabinet resolution passed on Thursday mandates that social media platforms have 12 months to identify and remove all accounts belonging to users under the age of 15, or face a complete ban.

State news agency WAM reported: "The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years. Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using or operating personal accounts." The government stated that the measure aims to address concerns over exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive use, and the collection of children's personal data.

Australia became the first country to introduce such a ban for children under 16 in December, citing mental health, cyberbullying, and lack of physical activity. Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and several European nations have also cracked down on teen social media use, but the UAE is the first Arab nation to do so.

Critics argue that bans are difficult to enforce and deprive children of social connections. WAM noted that the resolution aligns with "leading global trends in digital child protection," barring children from accessing full platform features such as social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, or open channels.

Teens aged 15 and 16 may access social media but with enhanced safety measures, including age-appropriate content controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on interacting with unknown users. Telecommunications authorities in the UAE are empowered to "take all necessary measures" against non-compliant platforms.

Source: www.dw.com