UAE: Protection of Children Online

The digital age has transformed the way children interact with the world, offering unprecedented opportunities for learning and communication. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the protection of children's rights. The United Arab Emirates has taken significant steps to safeguard these rights in the digital space, aligning with international standards and addressing local needs.

• Child Protection Law: The UAE has established a robust legal framework to protect children in the digital world. The cornerstone of this is the Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 On Child Rights, known as “Wadeema’s Law”, a comprehensive child protection law that marked a milestone in the UAE's legislative history. Wadeema’s Law underscores the importance of protecting children from all forms of exploitation, including those that may occur online. It highlights the protection of children's privacy. 
• Cybercrime Law: The Federal Law No. 34 of 2021 Concerning the Fight Against Rumours and Cybercrime addresses various online threats and criminalises activities such as cyberbullying and online harassment. It also provides some general prohibitions relating to online content that could violate public morals; these could be understood as restrictions on, for example, inappropriate video game content or advertising explicit content targeting children. The Cybercrime Law introduces stringent penalties, providing a deterrent against potential violations of children's rights in the digital space. Businesses with an online presence targeting young consumers in the UAE should be mindful of these restrictions and the potential consequences in the event of a breach. Businesses less familiar with the UAE, and the cultural context of the region, would also benefit from local guidance when assessing risks associated with online content intended for young audiences. 
• Data Protection: The Federal Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data applies to the processing of personal data of individuals. There is no specific provision regulating the processing of a child’s personal data or parental consent. (We cannot rule out the possibility of specifics relating to the processing of children’s data being introduced in the Executive Regulations – which have not yet been issued.) While there are no strict requirements, we would recommend using clear and plain language when providing information to children in privacy policies. The communication style and format should be child appropriate and, as far as possible, addressed directly to the relevant age group. For example, businesses should consider presenting privacy policies in a way that would be readily understood by a young audience, such as using diagrams and graphics.
• Educational Initiatives: Recognising the importance of education in safeguarding children's digital rights, the UAE government has launched several initiatives aimed at raising awareness among children, parents, and educators. Programs focus on teaching digital literacy, safe internet practices, and the importance of privacy. An example of a national initiative is ‘Safer Internet Day’ which included workshops around the country, a multi-platform social media campaign and a competition on students’ knowledge about internet safety. These types of initiatives empower children to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

The UAE's approach to the protection of children online is fairly comprehensive, combining legal measures and educational initiatives. While challenges remain and technology continues to evolve, the UAE is well-placed to adapt its strategies to ensure that children's rights are protected in the digital sphere. The ‘Child Digital Safety’ section of the UAE government website is available here, and provides more detail on the measures taken in the UAE to ensure the safety of children online.

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For any further information relating to the protection of children online in a UAE context, please contact Nick O’Connell [email protected] or Nona Keyhani [email protected].

The United Arab Emirates has taken significant steps to safeguard and protect children's rights in the digital space, aligning with international standards and addressing local needs.