UAE officials say proposed limits on social media access for users below 15 years old are unlikely to significantly affect the country’s expanding creator economy or digital content sector.
UAE Authorities Believe Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 15 Won’t Hurt Creator Economy.
Officials say the move could promote a more secure online environment by encouraging greater parental involvement while helping create conditions for the creator economy to grow sustainably in the future.
UAE Says Proposed Social Media Rules for Under-15s Will Not Disrupt Creator Industry
The UAE’s planned restrictions on independent social media accounts for children below the age of 15 are not expected to create major challenges for the country’s expanding creator economy, according to an official from the National Media Authority.
Authorities say the focus of the proposed measures is not to limit digital creativity or reduce opportunities within the online content sector. Instead, the initiative is aimed at improving child safety on social platforms by ensuring younger users have greater protection and guidance while engaging in digital spaces.
Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of Strategic Planning at the National Media Authority, explained that the regulation is designed around safeguarding children rather than restricting access to technology or preventing future participation in the digital economy.
He said the main objective is to ensure that young users are not exposed to risks associated with unsupervised online activity. By encouraging parental involvement, the policy aims to create a safer environment where children can benefit from digital platforms while reducing potential risks.
According to Al Zarooni, the rule focuses specifically on preventing children under 15 from independently managing their own social media accounts. The approach places greater responsibility on parents and guardians to monitor online activity and ensure that young users interact with platforms in a secure and appropriate manner.
Officials believe that stronger safeguards for younger users could ultimately support the growth of the creator economy by building greater trust among families and digital audiences. They argue that a safer online environment can encourage responsible participation while allowing the wider digital sector to continue developing.
The UAE has seen rapid growth in its creator and influencer landscape, with social media platforms becoming important spaces for entrepreneurship, marketing, education, and entertainment. Content creators across various fields have built businesses and communities through digital channels, contributing to the country’s broader media and technology ecosystem.
Authorities emphasized that the proposed age-related measures are not intended to prevent young people from developing digital skills or exploring creative opportunities. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that children participate in online spaces with appropriate protection and supervision.
The discussion around child safety online has gained attention globally as governments consider ways to address concerns related to privacy, harmful content, cyber risks, and the potential misuse of personal information involving younger users.
In the UAE, officials say maintaining a balance between innovation and protection remains a priority. They believe responsible regulation can help strengthen confidence in digital platforms while allowing the creator economy to continue expanding.
Al Zarooni noted that protecting children from possible exploitation is a central reason behind the proposed framework. By involving parents more actively in decisions about children’s online presence, authorities hope to create a digital environment where young users can benefit from technology without facing unnecessary risks.
The UAE’s approach reflects a broader effort to manage the rapid growth of digital platforms while ensuring that innovation develops alongside safety measures. Officials maintain that the creator economy will continue to have opportunities for growth, with the new safeguards aimed at making participation more secure rather than limiting the sector’s future potential.
UAE Social Media Rules for Young Users Aim to Promote Safer Digital Participation
The proposed changes to social media access for users under the age of 15 are not expected to cause major disruption, according to Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director of Strategic Planning at the National Media Authority. He said the broader impact on the digital landscape and creator economy is expected to be limited, while the long-term benefits could be positive.
Al Zarooni explained that the policy could encourage younger users to engage with social platforms in a more responsible way by involving parents more actively in their online experiences. Rather than preventing children from accessing digital spaces entirely, the approach is intended to create a framework where families can provide guidance and oversight.
He said increased parental involvement could help younger generations develop healthier online habits while reducing potential risks associated with unsupervised social media use. According to him, the goal is to ensure children are protected while still allowing them to learn, communicate, and explore digital platforms in a safer environment.
The proposed legislation is part of wider efforts by governments around the world to strengthen protections for children online. Similar discussions and regulatory approaches have emerged in several countries, including Australia and parts of Europe, where authorities are examining ways to balance digital access with child safety concerns.
Al Zarooni said the UAE is monitoring international developments and aims to ensure that its own approach remains consistent with global practices. At the same time, he noted that local perspectives and feedback from parents, regulators, and other stakeholders are important in shaping policies that are suitable for the country.
He emphasized that creating effective digital safety measures requires cooperation between government bodies, technology companies, families, and users. By considering input from different groups, authorities hope to develop regulations that address concerns while supporting continued innovation in the technology and media sectors.
The comments were made during TikTok’s UAE Forward event, which brought together senior representatives from the social media company, government organizations, and digital industry stakeholders. The event focused on developments within the UAE’s digital ecosystem and discussions around responsible technology use.
The gathering included participation from TikTok executives operating in the region, along with representatives from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the UAE Government Media Office. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between platforms and policymakers as digital services continue to expand.
Officials say that as social media becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, protecting younger users has become an important priority. At the same time, they recognize the role digital platforms play in education, creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship.
The UAE’s approach aims to strike a balance between encouraging digital participation and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. Authorities believe that with proper supervision and awareness, younger users can benefit from technology while being better protected from potential online challenges.
The proposed measures reflect a broader shift toward creating safer digital environments worldwide. As governments continue to review online safety frameworks, the UAE says it will continue assessing global practices while adapting policies to meet the needs of its own communities.
‘First line of defence’
UAE Focuses on Balancing Digital Regulation with Growth of Online Platforms
The UAE government is working to find a balance between establishing safeguards for digital spaces and encouraging the continued expansion of online platforms, according to a senior official from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of the Information and Digital Government Sector at TDRA, said regulations play an important role in creating a secure environment for communities and businesses operating in the digital space. He described legislation as a necessary foundation for ensuring responsible use of technology while allowing innovation to continue.
According to Al Zarooni, regulatory frameworks are intended to provide protection rather than restrict technological development. He explained that clear rules help build trust among users, companies, and entrepreneurs who rely on digital platforms for communication, commerce, and business growth.
He said the government’s approach is focused on supporting the evolution of digital services while ensuring that safety standards remain in place. As online platforms become increasingly important to businesses and individuals, authorities believe cooperation between regulators and technology companies is essential.
Al Zarooni noted that there is a shared understanding between government objectives and the needs of digital entrepreneurs. While authorities aim to protect the wider community, they also recognize the importance of creating conditions where businesses and creators can continue using digital platforms to innovate and expand.
He added that encouraging reliable and responsible digital platforms would contribute to the UAE’s wider ambitions of strengthening its digital economy. According to him, a trusted online environment can help businesses grow, attract investment, and support new opportunities across multiple sectors.
The comments were made during TikTok’s UAE Forward event, where industry leaders and government representatives discussed the role of digital platforms in supporting economic activity and entrepreneurship.
During the event, a report highlighted the economic contribution of TikTok in the UAE. The study estimated that the platform generated Dh1.1 billion in gross value added (GVA) for the national economy and contributed to approximately 7,000 jobs.
The report also examined the role of the platform in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It found that more than 70,000 SMEs in the UAE use TikTok for advertising and reaching customers, demonstrating the growing importance of digital channels for business promotion.
Beyond established companies, the platform has also become a tool for aspiring entrepreneurs. According to the report, more than 10,000 entrepreneurs said TikTok played a role in helping them launch their businesses. This group included around 3,500 women and 1,400 Emirati entrepreneurs who credited the platform with supporting their business journeys.
Officials said these figures demonstrate how digital platforms are becoming increasingly connected with economic development. Social media is no longer viewed only as a communication tool but also as a space where businesses can market products, build communities, and create new sources of income.
The UAE has placed significant emphasis on developing its digital economy, with government initiatives focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption. Officials say achieving these goals requires maintaining a balance between encouraging growth and ensuring that digital ecosystems remain safe and trustworthy.
The discussion around regulation comes as governments worldwide examine how best to manage rapidly expanding online platforms. Issues such as user protection, responsible content creation, privacy, and digital security have become central considerations as more people and businesses depend on online services.
Al Zarooni emphasized that effective regulation and digital growth should work together rather than operate as competing priorities. By creating clear standards while supporting innovation, authorities believe the UAE can continue strengthening its position as a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
The government’s approach reflects a broader strategy of building a digital economy where businesses, creators, and users can benefit from technological progress while operating within a secure and responsible framework.
