UAE Issues Law To Protect Children From Digital Risks, Ensure Safe Use Of Technology

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The UAE Government has issued a federal decree law on child digital safety, aimed at protecting children from digital risks and promoting the responsible and safe use of technology.

This comes within the framework of the UAE's declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, and as part of its vision to safeguard and enhance the quality of life of children. The new legislation aims to protect children from harmful digital content and practices that negatively affect their physical, psychological, and moral well-being.

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The law applies to internet service providers and digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or targeting users within the UAE. Digital platforms covered by the law include: websites, search engines, smart applications, messaging applications, forums, online gaming platforms, social media platforms, live streaming platforms, podcast platforms, streaming services, online video-on-demand platforms, and e-commerce platforms.

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The decree-law also applies to those responsible for the care of children and defines their obligations regarding the digital safety of the children under their care.

Key provisions of the law include:

• Establishing a comprehensive national framework for digital safety that ensures the protection of children from risks and harmful digital content, while promoting the responsible and safe use of technology across all platforms.

• Establishing the Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family, and overseen by the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council, to strengthen national coordination and governance of efforts aimed at protecting children and building a digital environment that supports their healthy development.

• Strengthening the protection of children's privacy and setting clear regulatory controls for the handling of their personal data, in a manner that safeguards their safety and rights

• Regulating the responsibilities of relevant entities, including digital platforms, internet service providers, and parents, within an integrated participatory approach that reinforces prevention and guidance.

• Developing a national awareness framework targeting families and children to embed a culture of positive and safe technology use, and to reinforce the role of the family in protection and prevention.

• Regulating reporting mechanisms for content harmful to children, ensuring the swift handling of cases involving digital abuse or exploitation of children.

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