United Arab Emirates Protects Children, Bans Social Media Use for Under 15s

DUBAI, June 18 (CNA) - The United Arab Emirates announced today that it is banning social media use for children under 15. This follows similar measures taken by countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with more nations joining the ranks.

According to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE cabinet decided to "set the minimum age for social media use at 15 years. Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms."

The resolution further stipulates that children under 15 are prohibited from "using all features of such platforms, including social interaction, posting content, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, opening channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces."

The resolution requires social media platforms to continuously monitor for and close accounts created by children under 15, or face the risk of being blocked. Platforms have a 12-month transition period to comply.

The UAE News Agency reported that the UAE's media and telecommunications regulatory authorities have the right to take "all necessary measures" against social media platforms that do not comply, including "warnings, partial or complete blocking of platforms, or relevant administrative penalties." (Compiled by Chang Cheng-chien) 1150618

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