Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2025 On the digital safety of the child

Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2025 on Children’s Digital Safety was issued, within the framework of the UAE’s legislative direction towards enhancing the protection of children’s rights in the digital space, and confronting the increasing ris  ks associated with children’s use of digital platforms and modern technological means, in the best interest of children and keeping pace with global technological developments.

 

The decree applies broadly including:
1. Digital platforms and smart applications, whether they are:

✔️Educational,

✔️Recreational,

✔️Information,

✔️or commercial.

 

2. Digital Service Providers inside or outside the UAE, where the Content or Service:

✔️Aimed at children within the UAE,

✔️or made available to them directly or indirectly.

 

3. Educational and media entities that use or manage digital content intended for children. It is understood that the primary criterion is that a child within the country has access to the content or service regardless of where the service provider is located.

 

Digital Service Provider Obligations
The decree imposes precise and direct obligations on service providers, the most important of which are:

1. Content Protection
Prevent the publication or availability of any harmful or inappropriate content to children. Categorize content according to appropriate age groups.

 

2. Age verification
Adopting appropriate mechanisms to verify the user’s age when providing content or services tailored to children. Prevent children from accessing adult content.

 

3. Data Protection and Privacy
Not to collect or use children’s data except to the extent necessary.
Prohibition of the exploitation of children’s data for commercial or advertising purposes without legal controls. Take technical measures to protect data from hacking or leakage.

 

4. Reporting and Response Mechanisms

Provide clear and easy channels for reporting offensive content.

Respond quickly to removal or restriction requests. Cooperating with the competent authorities when requesting information or taking action.

 

Obligations of Parents

The decree emphasized the complementary role of parents, obliging them to:

✔️Guiding children to the safe use of digital technologies.

✔️Follow up on children’s digital activities without undue compromise on their privacy.

✔️Report any digital violations or risks that threaten the child.

 

To view the official law: CLICK HERE!