The UAE Cabinet has approved a decree prohibiting children under 15 from creating, using or managing personal social media accounts. Platforms are required to independently identify and block the accounts of violators. Adolescents over 15 will have access to social media, but their use will be strictly limited.

To control age, authorities require the implementation of robust verification mechanisms, including biometrics and digital identification. The platforms have 12 months to meet the requirements, otherwise they face large fines and a complete block in the country. The UAE initiative has become part of a global trend: Australia previously imposed a similar ban on children under 16, and similar legislation is now being drafted in several European countries and the United Kingdom.