Abu dhabi: The UAE is making significant strides in establishing a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring child safety in the digital realm. The Child Digital Safety Council recently held a media briefing at Creators HQ in Dubai to introduce a new Cabinet Decision that regulates children's access to social media platforms. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader vision for human development and preparing future generations, said Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chairperson of the Child Digital Safety Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the briefing was attended by key figures, including Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, among others. The Cabinet Decision outlines provisions and implementation mechanisms to create a safe and balanced digital environment for children, aligning with the UAE's objectives for the Year of Family and the UAE Centennial 2071.
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail emphasized that the initiative is a significant milestone in developing policies that keep pace with global digital developments. As the digital world becomes integral to children's learning and skills development, the new regulatory framework aims to allow children to benefit from these opportunities safely. The Decision is based on a preventive philosophy, regulating access to social media through age-appropriate safeguards to protect children from potential risks.
The framework sets 15 as the minimum age for creating personal social media accounts, with enhanced protection for children aged 15 to under 16. It includes parental control tools and restricts high-risk features, ensuring a safe online experience. The Decision also mandates digital platforms to implement robust age verification mechanisms, while the TDRA will oversee compliance and enforce regulations.
Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand highlighted the Decision's holistic understanding of public health, extending to mental and digital health. It aims to promote balanced digital engagement and mental wellbeing in children, supported by preventive and awareness programs.
Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, from the National Media Authority, stressed the importance of age-appropriate content and media governance. The Authority will introduce new standards and guidance for children's media content, enhancing the quality and safety of digital environments.
Eng. Abdulrahman Al Marzouqi of the TDRA noted the importance of strategic partnerships with social media platforms to ensure compliance with UAE laws. The Decision's age verification mechanisms adhere to international standards, emphasizing privacy protection.
The new regulatory framework represents a collaborative effort across various sectors to create a safer digital environment for children in the UAE, reflecting the nation's commitment to future generations.