The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its youngest citizens in the digital world with the issuance of a federal decree-law concerning child digital safety. This comprehensive legislation establishes a legal framework designed to protect children from online risks and promote responsible technology use, tailored to their age and developmental needs. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family” and its broader vision of enhancing the quality of life for children across all environments.
حماية مستقبلهم الرقمي: نظرة على قانون السلامة الرقمية للطفل في الإمارات (Protecting Their Digital Future: A Look at the UAE’s Child Digital Safety Law)
The decree-law addresses a growing concern: the potential harm children can face online. It aims to prevent exposure to harmful digital content and practices that could negatively impact their physical, mental, and moral well-being. Crucially, it also focuses on fostering digital awareness among children and their caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge of their rights and responsibilities in the digital sphere. This proactive approach is vital in cultivating a culture of positive and conscious technology engagement.
نطاق القانون: تغطية شاملة للمنصات الرقمية (Scope of the Law: Comprehensive Coverage of Digital Platforms)
This legislation isn’t limited to traditional websites. It adopts a broad definition of digital platforms, encompassing a wide range of online spaces frequented by children. This includes websites, search engines, smart applications, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, social media, live streaming services, podcasts, on-demand video and audio streaming services, and even e-commerce platforms. This expansive scope ensures that children are protected across the entire digital landscape, acknowledging the rapid evolution of technology and the platforms it enables. The law recognizes the need to adapt to new technologies and proactively address emerging risks.
مجلس السلامة الرقمية للطفل: تنسيق الجهود لحماية أفضل (Child Digital Safety Council: Coordinating Efforts for Better Protection)
To effectively implement and oversee the decree-law, a “Child Digital Safety Council” has been established. Chaired by the Minister of Family, the Council operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources and Community Development. Its primary function is to foster collaboration and coordination between federal and local authorities, as well as the private sector, in all efforts related to child online protection.
اختصاصات المجلس: صياغة السياسات ورصد المخاطر (Council Responsibilities: Formulating Policies and Monitoring Risks)
The Council’s responsibilities are multifaceted. They include proposing policies, legislation, and strategies to ensure the highest levels of digital safety for children, and submitting these for approval by the Council of Ministers. Furthermore, the Council will develop comprehensive awareness programs and conduct studies to identify and monitor emerging digital risks. It will also propose general standards for privacy and security, and guidelines for the safe use of digital platforms, alongside monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented policies.
حماية البيانات الشخصية: موافقة الوالدين كشرط أساسي (Protecting Personal Data: Parental Consent as a Key Requirement)
A cornerstone of the decree-law is the protection of children’s personal data. Digital platforms are prohibited from collecting, processing, publishing, or sharing the personal data of children under the age of 13 without explicit, documented parental consent from the child’s guardian. Moreover, the use of this data for commercial purposes, targeted advertising, or tracking a child’s online activity is strictly forbidden. This provision directly addresses concerns about data privacy and exploitation in the digital age.
الإبلاغ عن المحتوى الضار: آلية سريعة وفعالة (Reporting Harmful Content: A Fast and Effective Mechanism)
The law establishes a clear mechanism for reporting harmful content. This ensures a swift response to cases of online abuse or exploitation. Relevant entities are responsible for regularly monitoring content on digital platforms and reporting any illegal material, such as child pornography, harmful content, and digital violations that constitute criminal offenses, to the security authorities. This proactive monitoring and reporting system is crucial for identifying and addressing threats quickly.
التزامات المنصات الرقمية: أدوات الرقابة والتحكم (Digital Platform Obligations: Control and Monitoring Tools)
Digital platforms bear significant responsibility under the new decree-law. They are required to implement effective age verification mechanisms, apply age restrictions to platform access and content, activate blocking and filtering tools, and categorize content by age rating. They must also regulate targeted advertising and provide parental control tools, such as setting daily time limits for children’s platform usage. Transparency is also key, with platforms obligated to regularly disclose their policies regarding user data and content.
دور مزودي خدمات الإنترنت والقائمين على الرعاية (The Role of Internet Service Providers and Caregivers)
The decree-law extends its obligations beyond platforms. Internet service providers are required to activate content filtering systems to block harmful content for children. They must also ensure safe and supervised internet access for child users, potentially requiring parental signatures on service agreements that include provisions for parental control tools. Equally important is the role of caregivers, who are obligated to monitor their children’s online activities, utilize parental control tools, and educate them about safe and responsible technology use. They must also refrain from exploiting children online in ways that threaten their privacy or well-being.
الامتثال للقانون: فترة سماح لتوفيق الأوضاع (Compliance with the Law: Grace Period for Rectification)
To allow for a smooth transition, the decree-law provides a one-year grace period for all parties concerned to comply with its provisions. This timeframe allows platforms, internet service providers, and caregivers to adjust their practices and implement the necessary safeguards to protect children in the digital world. This demonstrates a commitment to practical implementation and collaboration.
In conclusion, the UAE’s new decree-law on child digital safety represents a landmark achievement in protecting its future generations. By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, fostering collaboration, and empowering both children and their caregivers, the UAE is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safe and responsible digital environment for all. This proactive legislation sets a strong precedent for other nations seeking to address the challenges of protecting children in the ever-evolving digital landscape. It is vital that all stakeholders familiarize themselves with the law and work together to ensure its effective implementation.