UAE's New Law Safeguards Kids Online

New Child Protection Law Tackles Digital Dangers – Focus on Safe Technology Use

The United Arab Emirates is once again setting an example of how technological progress can be directed to serve the most vulnerable members of society, in this case, children. The country has declared 2026 as the Year of the Family and, in connection with this, has issued a new federal decree centered on children's digital safety. The aim of the legislation is to protect young people from digital threats, promoting the development of a safe online environment that supports their healthy growth.

Challenges in the Digital Environment

Technology has become an integral part of our lives over the past decade, but the accompanying digital risks can be particularly dangerous for children. Online bullying, access to inappropriate content, lack of personal data protection, or excessive screen time can all have harmful effects on youths—physically, mentally, and morally.

In response, the UAE government has developed legislation not only to prohibit and restrict dangerous digital content but also to educate, build systems, and assign responsibilities to digital actors.

Who is the Law For?

The decree extends to all digital platforms and service providers operating within the UAE or offering services to local users. These include:

websites, search engines, smartphone applications, messaging services, forums, online gaming platforms, social media platforms, live streaming services, podcast platforms, video streaming services, e-commerce interfaces.

Not only are the service providers, but those responsible for the care of children are also obliged under the law—meaning the role of parents, educators, and institutional actors is also emphasized.

The Child Protection Digital Council – Raising Coordination to a New Level

The law also provides for the establishment of a new organization: the Child Protection Digital Council, led by the Minister of Family Affairs and overseen by the Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development. This body will be responsible for nationwide coordination and governance, aiming to create a digital environment that supports children's healthy development.

Enhanced Protection of Children's Data

The legislation places special emphasis on the protection of children's personal data. Digital service providers will be required to adhere to prescribed data management regulations that specifically aim to protect children's rights. This includes consent-based data management, transparent information, and the application of child-friendly data management practices.

Responsibilities of Parents and Providers: Prevention and Education

The decree aims not only to prohibit but also to educate. One of its primary objectives is to develop a national awareness-raising framework that involves both families and children. Creating a positive digital culture is not only a state task but a shared social responsibility—this principle is followed by the law.

Digital service providers will have clearly defined responsibilities, while parents and carers will also play a role in prevention, guidance, and control in the digital space.

Rapid Intervention – Complaint Handling and Reporting Mechanisms

A key element of the law is the possibility of rapid intervention. Handling reports of digital abuse, exploitation, or harmful content takes priority, and the system ensures the swift investigation of complaints. Simultaneously, the law requires providers to offer visible, simple, and accessible reporting options for users.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

The new law not only imposes restrictions but also projects a vision where technology is not a threat but a tool for development. Children's digital safety is not a luxury but a fundamental right that the state and society are jointly obliged to guarantee.

Parents need to become more aware of their online presences, and service providers must operate not only by business interests but also by ethical responsibility. The regulation can make the online world more transparent and safer—especially for those most vulnerable within it.

Conclusion

The Year of the Family announced for 2026 is not just a symbolic event for the UAE but a series of concrete measures. The new federal decree on children's digital protection sends a clear message: the country wants to play a leading role in the region not only technologically and economically but also in building a socially responsible future.

The success of the law depends not only on the provisions but also on how it is applied in everyday life—with the involvement of parents, educators, developers, platform operators, and the children themselves. The UAE sets an example: the digital world cannot be an unlawful wild west—especially when our children's future is at stake.

(The article is based on laws serving the protection of children's digital safety.)