Current Affairs - International - Discussion

The United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nation to establish an official minimum age of 15 years for social media usage. Under the new regulation, children below this age are prohibited from creating, operating, or participating in personal social media accounts. The policy also requires social media platforms to implement advanced age-verification mechanisms, including AI-powered technologies and digital identity checks, while rejecting self-declared ages as valid proof. For users aged 15 and 16, enhanced safeguards such as parental supervision tools, screen-time management features, and age-appropriate content filters are mandatory. The initiative aims to improve online safety, protect minors from digital risks, and encourage responsible social media engagement.