UAE Child Digital Safety Law
In force United Arab Emirates · In force Jan 1, 2026 · next deadline Jan 1, 2027 (in 3 months)
Deadlines
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Sets child safety duties for internet service providers and digital platforms that operate in or target the UAE, from social media and games to e-commerce. Platforms may not process personal data of children under 13 without verifiable parental consent and must use age verification and risk-based controls. A 2026 Cabinet Resolution bars social media accounts for children under 15 and restricts accounts for 15 year olds.
- Who it applies to
- Internet service providers and digital platforms operating in the UAE or directed at UAE users, including websites, search engines, apps, messaging, gaming, social media, live streaming, podcast, streaming and e-commerce platforms, and child caregivers.
- Penalties
- Administrative penalties are to be set by a Cabinet regulation (Art. 16).
- Enforced by
- Child Digital Safety Council, Ministry of Family and the competent authorities; TDRA for the social media age rules
- Official name
- Federal Decree by Law No. 26 of 2025 Regarding Child Digital Safety
- Citation
- Federal Decree by Law No. (26) of 2025; Cabinet Resolution No. (106) of 2026
- Topics
- children, online-safety, privacy
Verified 2026-09-25 uaelegislation.gov.ae
Research notes
The 2027 dates are computed from the one-year and 12-month periods in the texts.
Related
Questions about UAE Child Digital Safety Law
- What are the UAE Child Digital Safety Law compliance deadlines?
- Jan 1, 2026: Child Digital Safety Law takes effect. Jun 30, 2026: Social media minimum age resolution takes effect. Jan 1, 2027: Compliance deadline under the Decree by Law. Jun 30, 2027: Social media platforms' transition ends.
- When does UAE Child Digital Safety Law take effect?
- UAE Child Digital Safety Law took effect on Jan 1, 2026. The next milestone is Jan 1, 2027: Compliance deadline under the Decree by Law.
- Who does UAE Child Digital Safety Law apply to?
- Internet service providers and digital platforms operating in the UAE or directed at UAE users, including websites, search engines, apps, messaging, gaming, social media, live streaming, podcast, streaming and e-commerce platforms, and child caregivers.
- What are the penalties under UAE Child Digital Safety Law?
- Administrative penalties are to be set by a Cabinet regulation (Art. 16).