The United Arab Emirates has established comprehensive federal legislation addressing child protection in digital environments through a new decree-law focused on safeguarding minors from online risks. This pioneering legal framework emerges as the nation prepares to designate 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing children’s quality of life in the digital age.
The legislation imposes binding obligations on internet service providers and digital platforms operating within or targeting UAE users, encompassing an extensive range of services including websites, search engines, mobile applications, messaging services, social media, online gaming platforms, streaming services, live broadcasting platforms, podcast services, video-on-demand platforms, and e-commerce marketplaces. The law additionally delineates specific responsibilities for caregivers regarding the digital safety of children under their supervision.
Core provisions establish a robust national framework for child digital protection that promotes responsible technology usage while shielding minors from harmful content and practices affecting their physical, psychological, and moral development. The legislation mandates creation of a specialized Child Digital Safety Council, which will operate under the Minister of Family’s leadership and receive oversight from the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council to coordinate national efforts toward building safer digital environments for children.
Further measures significantly enhance privacy protections for minors by implementing clear regulatory controls for handling children’s personal data. The law establishes an integrated approach defining responsibilities across digital platforms, internet providers, and parents with emphasis on preventive measures and guidance. Additionally, it creates a national awareness framework targeting families and children to foster cultures of positive technology use while strengthening familial roles in protection and prevention. The legislation also formalizes reporting mechanisms for harmful content targeting children and ensures expedited handling of cases involving digital abuse or exploitation.