UAE introduces federal law to regulate child safety across digital platforms
The new decree-law introduces age controls, data protections, and platform accountability
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The UAE has introduced a new federal decree-law aimed at strengthening protections for children in digital environments, marking one of the country’s most comprehensive regulatory interventions to date in online safety. The legislation arrives ahead of the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family, signalling an effort to embed child wellbeing into the country’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Issued by the United Arab Emirates government, the decree-law establishes a nationwide framework to protect children from harmful online content and practices that could undermine their physical, psychological, or moral wellbeing. It applies broadly to internet service providers and digital platforms operating in, or targeting users in, the UAE—ranging from search engines and social media networks to gaming platforms, streaming services, messaging apps, podcasts, and e-commerce platforms.
At its core, the law introduces a governance structure that clarifies the responsibilities of regulators, platforms, service providers, and caregivers. A new Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family, will serve as the coordinating and advisory body. The council is tasked with proposing policies and legislation, launching national awareness campaigns, and conducting studies to track emerging digital risks amid rapid technological change. The decree-law was approved following review by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, underscoring its cross-sector scope.
A notable feature of the legislation is its risk-based approach to platform regulation. Digital services will be categorised according to their content, usage scale, and potential impact on children, with corresponding regulatory standards and age-based controls. Platforms are required to implement default privacy settings, age-verification mechanisms, content filtering and blocking systems, age ratings, and restrictions on targeted advertising.
The law also introduces strict rules on children’s data. Digital platforms are prohibited from collecting, processing, or sharing the personal data of children under 13, except under narrowly defined conditions. Educational and health-related platforms may be exempted through a UAE Cabinet resolution, provided robust safeguards are in place.
Beyond platforms, the decree-law places clear obligations on internet service providers and caregivers. ISPs must activate content-filtering systems and provide parental control tools, while guardians are required to monitor children’s digital activity and avoid creating accounts on platforms that are not age-appropriate or compliant with child safety standards.
Oversight and enforcement will be led by the Ministry of Family in coordination with local authorities, including mechanisms for reporting harmful content and responding swiftly to online abuse or exploitation. Collectively, the measures reflect the UAE’s intent to move from fragmented safeguards toward a unified, enforceable model of child digital protection.
