In a groundbreaking move to protect the youngest members of society, the UAE has officially enacted the Child Digital Safety Law, a regulation that shifts the focus of online safety from tech companies directly to the home. Under this new legal framework, parents and legal guardians are now held legally accountable for the digital footprints and online activities of their children. This isn’t just a set of guidelines; it is a formal recognition that the virtual world is as significant as the physical one.
UAE child digital safety law 2026
The United Arab Emirates has issued a new Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety aimed at protecting children from online risks and harmful digital experiences. This law took effect on January 1, 2026 and represents one of the most comprehensive approaches to child online protection in the region. It applies not only to digital platforms but also to parents, caregivers and internet service providers.The move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to make 2026 the “Year of the Family”, putting children’s well-being at the centre of digital policy and safety initiatives. The law outlines specific “Digital Due Diligence” that parents are expected to follow. It moves beyond simply checking a child’s browser history and enters the realm of active prevention.Guardians are now required to ensure that children are not accessing age-inappropriate platforms, particularly social media apps that have strict 13+ or 16+ age limits. Parents must monitor for signs of cyber-harassment and take immediate action if their child is being targeted or, conversely, if their child is engaging in bullying behavior toward others.Key responsibilities under the new law include:
- Ensuring children only use apps and games suited for their specific age group.
- Utilizing parental control tools to block access to adult or harmful materials.
- Preventing children from sharing sensitive personal data or the private information of others.
- Reporting any digital threats or grooming attempts to the relevant UAE authorities immediately.
Fines for neglect
Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025 on Child Digital Safety, the UAE has established a strict penalty structure to ensure that the “Digital Due Diligence” is taken seriously. While the law is currently in a grace period for full operational compliance, the legal framework for fines is already clear. Parents and guardians found in significant breach of their monitoring duties, such as allowing children under 13 to bypass age restrictions or ignoring evidence of digital grooming, face administrative fines that typically begin at AED 5,000 for initial instances of neglect.For more severe cases, the law integrates with the existing Wadeema Law, where “digital abandonment” can lead to much steeper financial hits. If a child’s safety is directly compromised due to a lack of parental oversight, fines can reach up to AED 50,000 to AED 100,000. Furthermore, repeat offenders or those who intentionally facilitate a child’s access to harmful content may see these amounts doubled. Beyond just the money, the law empowers courts to mandate “digital rehabilitation” courses for parents, ensuring they gain the technical skills needed to protect their families moving forward.
Looking ahead
Staying on the right side of the law begins with activating parental controls across all home devices and ensuring that your children only access age-appropriate platforms, strictly avoiding the “under-13” social media trap. Make it a habit to perform a weekly digital check-in to monitor for signs of cyberbullying or contact from strangers, and always utilize the Safe Use filters provided by your UAE internet service provider. Most importantly, foster an environment of open communication where your children feel safe reporting suspicious activity, ensuring that your home remains a sanctuary of “Mindful Digital Citizenship” rather than a source of legal liability.
