Starting January 1, 2026, parents and guardians in the UAE can face fines of up to AED 1 million if they fail to protect their children online. The new Child Digital Safety Law places clear legal responsibility on adults to control, monitor, and report how children use digital platforms.
This is not a warning. It is a legal duty.
The law applies across the UAE and covers local and foreign apps, websites, games, and social platforms used inside the country. Remember, as parents, it’s up to us to guide our children and help them make smart choices online. Let’s stay involved and protect them as they explore the digital world.
Contents
- What Changed and Why It Matters
- Who Is Affected
- Key Penalties for Parents
- What Parents Are Now Legally Required to Do
- Rules for Mobile Apps, Games, and Digital Platforms
- Who Enforces the Law
- Common Situations That Can Lead to Penalties
- What Parents Should Do
- Wadeema Law: Stronger Penalties for Child Protection
- Why the UAE Is Taking This Seriously
What Changed and Why It Matters
The UAE has passed a Federal Decree Law on Child Digital Safety to respond to rising risks online. These include harmful content, data misuse, privacy violations, and unsafe social exposure involving children.
Under this law, parents and legal guardians are accountable if children access unsafe content or use platforms that do not meet UAE safety rules.
This is a shift from guidance to enforcement.
Who Is Affected
- Parents and legal guardians in the UAE
- Families with children using phones, tablets, gaming consoles, or computers
- Expats and residents using foreign apps or platforms
- Content creators who feature children online
If a child uses the internet under your care, this law applies to you.
Key Penalties for Parents
- Maximum fine: Up to AED 1 million
- Penalties apply if parents fail to take reasonable steps to protect children online
- Liability includes repeated neglect or serious violations
Fines depend on the nature and impact of the violation, not just intent.
Emirates News posted an update sharing that digital neglect could cost parents up to AED1 Million in Penalties. Here is news report below:
What Parents Are Now Legally Required to Do
Control Digital Access
Parents must ensure children only access age appropriate platforms. This includes:
- Using parental controls
- Activating age filters
- Blocking unsafe apps and websites
Allowing underage accounts without safeguards is a violation.
Monitor Online Activity
Passive parenting is no longer enough. Guardians are expected to:
- Check what children watch, play, and post
- Review privacy settings
- Monitor social interactions online
Lack of awareness is not a legal excuse.
Protect Children’s Privacy
Parents must avoid exposing children online in ways that:
- Harm dignity
- Share private data
- Encourage exploitation or harassment
This applies to family content, vlogs, and social posts.
Report Harmful Content
If a child encounters:
- Pornographic material
- Sexual content
- Abuse or exploitation
Parents must report it immediately to authorities or platform channels. Failure to report is itself a violation.
Rules for Mobile Apps, Games, and Digital Platforms
The law does not stop with parents. Digital platforms must also comply.
Key rules include:
- Platforms are classified by risk level
- Higher risk platforms face stricter rules
- No data collection from children under 13 unless strict conditions are met
- Platforms must offer clear parental control tools
Foreign apps are not exempt if used in the UAE.
Who Enforces the Law
The law establishes the Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family. The council oversees:
- Platform classification
- Policy enforcement
- Coordination with regulators and digital companies
This creates a centralized authority focused on child safety online.
Common Situations That Can Lead to Penalties
Parents may face fines if they:
- Let a child create a social media account below the allowed age
- Ignore parental control tools
- Share a child’s personal details publicly
- Fail to act after exposure to harmful content
- Continue unsafe practices after warnings
Even indirect neglect can count.
What Parents Should Do
Immediate Steps
- Review all apps and games used by children
- Turn on parental controls and content filters
- Set screen time and privacy limits
- Talk to children about online safety
Ongoing Habits
- Regularly check device settings
- Stay updated on platform rules
- Teach children to report unsafe content
Preparation reduces risk and protects your family.
Wadeema Law: Stronger Penalties for Child Protection
In addition to the Child Digital Safety Law, parents and guardians should be aware of the Wadeema Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Regarding Child Rights). This law lays out strict measures for the protection of children’s rights in the UAE. Depending on the violation, penalties can include hefty fines—even up to AED 1 million—and possible imprisonment. Wadeema Law reinforces that child safety is a top priority, and anyone found neglecting or harming a child’s rights may face serious consequences.
While the Wadeema Law primarily focuses on the general rights and welfare of children, our society is evolving with technology. As more of children’s lives move online, it’s important to update and adapt guidelines and protective measures to address the new risks and challenges of the digital age.
Why the UAE Is Taking This Seriously
Children’s online activity now affects:
- Mental health
- Privacy rights
- Long term digital footprints
The UAE is aligning digital growth with child protection. This law sends a clear message: online safety starts at home. For the full Child Digital Safety law, please refer to this PDF Document – UAE Child Digital Safety Law Download