UAE Tightens Digital Safety Rules For Children

(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

A sweeping federal decree-law has set out a unified legal framework aimed at protecting minors from online harm across the UAE's fast-expanding digital ecosystem, placing clear duties on internet service providers and digital platforms that operate within the country or target users based there. The legislation signals a tougher regulatory posture as children's screen time rises and online services become more embedded in everyday life.

The decree-law establishes safeguards designed to limit exposure to harmful content, strengthen age-appropriate access controls and promote responsible digital behaviour among minors. Its scope is broad, extending to websites, search engines, smart applications, messaging services, forums, online gaming, social media networks, live-streaming services, podcasts, video-on-demand platforms and e-commerce sites. By covering both locally hosted services and platforms targeting users in the country, the framework seeks to close jurisdictional gaps that have challenged regulators worldwide.

Under the new rules, digital platforms are required to implement effective mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material and to ensure that content and services are suitable for different age groups. This includes stronger age-verification tools, clearer content classification and proactive moderation systems that identify and address risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, harmful challenges and exposure to violent or explicit material. Companies must also adopt child-friendly default settings that prioritise privacy and safety.

Service providers are expected to put in place reporting and response procedures that allow users or guardians to flag harmful content or behaviour swiftly. The decree-law outlines obligations to act on such reports without undue delay and to cooperate with relevant authorities when serious risks are identified. Penalties for non-compliance are intended to be proportionate yet firm, reflecting the government's view that child digital safety is a shared responsibility between regulators, platforms and families.

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Officials involved in drafting the legislation have framed it as a preventive measure rather than a reactive one, arguing that early intervention is critical in reducing long-term harm. The law encourages educational initiatives and awareness programmes that help parents, caregivers and young users understand online risks and safe practices. Schools and community organisations are expected to play a complementary role in building digital literacy and resilience among children.

The move places the UAE among a growing group of jurisdictions tightening oversight of children's online experiences. Similar efforts in Europe and parts of Asia have focused on age-appropriate design codes, restrictions on targeted advertising to minors and enhanced transparency around algorithms that shape content feeds. Analysts note that the UAE's approach mirrors these trends while adapting them to a rapidly diversifying digital economy that includes gaming, streaming and social commerce.

Technology firms operating in the region are now assessing how the decree-law affects their compliance frameworks. Global platforms with established child-safety policies may need to localise features to meet specific requirements, while smaller or regional services could face steeper adjustments. Industry representatives have indicated that clarity around implementation timelines and enforcement mechanisms will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition.

Legal experts point out that the extraterritorial reach of the decree-law, covering platforms that target users in the UAE even if based elsewhere, underscores the government's intent to assert regulatory authority over cross-border digital services. This aligns with broader international efforts to hold platforms accountable for user safety regardless of where they are headquartered. Companies that rely on advertising, data-driven recommendations or user-generated content will need to demonstrate that their systems do not inadvertently amplify risks to minors.

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Beyond enforcement, the framework emphasises collaboration. The decree-law encourages partnerships between regulators, technology companies and civil society to develop best practices and share information on emerging threats. Areas such as artificial intelligence-driven content moderation, parental control tools and child-centric design standards are expected to see increased investment as firms seek to align with the new expectations.

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