Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law concerning child digital safety, which introduces a comprehensive legislative framework to protect children from online risks and encourage the responsible use of safe and age-appropriate digital content, reported WAM. This is in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family, and as part of its vision to safeguard and enhance the quality of life of children across all environments The new legislation aims to protect children from harmful digital content and practices that negatively affect their physical, psychological, and moral wellbeing. It also establishes a comprehensive governance framework that defines the roles and functions of relevant authorities in this regard, and ensures coordination and integration among them to protect children and their rights in the digital ecosystem.
The decree-law applies to internet service providers and digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or targeting users within the UAE. Digital platforms covered by the decree-law include: websites, search engines, smart applications, messaging applications, forums, online gaming platforms, social media platforms, live streaming platforms, podcast platforms, streaming services, online video-on-demand platforms, and e-commerce platforms. The decree-law also applies to those responsible for the care of children and defines their obligations regarding the digital safety of the children under their care.
Additionally, the decree-law establishes the “Child Digital Safety Council” in the UAE, chaired by the Minister of Family, as an advisory and coordinating body to achieve integration between federal and local entities and the private sector regarding efforts to ensure children’s digital safety.
The decree-law also defines the council’s functions, which include: proposing policies, legislation, and strategies to ensure the highest levels of digital safety for children; proposing a comprehensive awareness campaign; and conducting studies to monitor emerging digital risks in light of rapid technological advancements.
This Decree-Law, issued by a UAE Cabinet’s decision following approval from the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, establishes a system for categorising all digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or directed to users within the UAE, based on an assessment of their risks and impact on children.
