Scope: Child Digital Safety in the UAE
In response to growing concerns about children's safety online, the UAE government has passed a comprehensive Child Digital Safety Law. The law requires digital platforms and internet service providers to implement parental controls, enabling guardians to monitor and manage their children's online activities. Mandatory measures include guardian consent for terms of service, default privacy settings, age verification, and content blocking to prevent harmful exposure.
A key component of the legislation is the establishment of a Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family. The council will coordinate federal, local, and private sector efforts, develop policies, and conduct research on emerging digital risks.
The law also bars platforms from collecting data on children under 13 without explicit consent and prohibits children from participating in gambling or targeted advertising. A risk‑based classification system for platforms will help regulate children’s access to various content types.
"We aim to create a safe digital environment for our children," said the Minister of Family. "This is the first step toward protecting their wellbeing."
