The UAE government on Friday issued a federal decree law to protect children from online risk and encourage responsible use of safe and age-appropriate digital content.
With 2026 set to be the Year of the Family, the move is part of the country’s vision to safeguard and enhance the quality of life for children.
The new legislation aims to protect them from harmful digital content and practices that negatively affect their physical, psychological or moral well-being. It also establishes a framework that defines the roles and functions of the relevant authorities.
The decree law applies to internet service providers and digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or targeting users in the Emirates.
Digital platforms covered by the decree law include websites, search engines, smart and messaging apps, forums, online gaming, social media, live streaming, podcasts, online video-on-demand and e-commerce.
The law also applies to those responsible for the care of children and defines obligations regarding digital safety.
New authority
The decree law establishes a national Child Digital Safety Council, to be governed by the Minister of Family.
It will propose policy, legislation and strategies to ensure the highest levels of digital safety for children.
The legislation also establishes a system for categorising all digital platforms, based on an assessment of risk and impact on children.
This system serves as the reference framework, outlining regulatory standards for classifying platforms according to their type, content, usage volume and effect on children.
It also defines the controls and restrictions related to the use of these platforms by different age groups.
The decree law bans digital platforms from collecting, processing, publishing, or sharing the personal data of children under 13, except under spe
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