New law on child protection in the digital environment in the UAE

New law on child protection in the digital environment in the UAE - Makebiz

Starting from the beginning of 2026, a new Law on Child Protection in the Digital Environment will come into force in the United Arab Emirates. The regulation is designed to ensure children’s safety online. The law has become necessary in light of the rapid development of digital technologies and the increasing amount of time children spend in online spaces. Full enforcement practice will begin in January 2027, allowing platforms sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements and prepare for implementation.

The law harmonizes UAE legislation with European standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Services Act. This not only simplifies operations for international companies in the region but also ensures a higher level of protection for user data.

Main changes

1. Age verification mechanisms

One of the key provisions is the introduction of mandatory age verification mechanisms for platforms that provide adult content.

This means that all online resources containing materials not intended for children will be required to verify the age of their users. This measure will help prevent minors from accessing harmful content and reduce the risk of negative effects on their mental health and development.

2. Strengthened data protection requirements

The legislation introduces strict requirements for the protection of children’s personal data. The collection of such data for commercial purposes will be strictly regulated. This is an important step toward preventing misuse and manipulation of minors’ personal information.

3. Parental control tools

Platforms are now required to implement parental control tools that allow adults to monitor their children’s online activity and restrict access to unwanted content. This will help create a safer online environment where parents can control what their children see and interact with.

4. Ban on harmful content

The regulation introduces restrictions on certain types of content that may harm children, including materials involving violence, sexual content, and drugs. This decision is aimed at protecting children’s mental and physical well-being and preventing their involvement in criminal or dangerous situations.

5. Procedures for notifying authorities

In cases involving cyber predation or child exploitation, platforms will be obligated to notify the relevant authorities. This will enable a faster response to threats and provide better protection for minors against potential harm.

Serious financial penalties are предусмотрены for violations of this legislation, ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1 million. Companies must also be prepared for audits and inspections beginning early next year. Authorities will review compliance with all the above requirements, as well as the implementation of monitoring and reporting systems designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the protection measures introduced.

The new Law on Child Protection in the Digital Environment in the UAE represents an important step toward creating a safer internet environment for minors. It not only protects children’s rights but also encourages the development of technologies aimed at improving online safety. It is important that all participants in the digital market recognize their responsibility and take the necessary measures to comply with the new regulations, thereby creating a safer environment for future generations.

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