UAE’s New Child Digital Safety Law Puts Parents at Risk of Fines
Sweeping digital regulations make parents legally accountable as the UAE steps up child online protection
The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a new Child Digital Safety Law, aimed at safeguarding children from online dangers. But this ambitious law does more than regulate digital platforms — it puts parents and legal guardians directly in the accountability frame, holding them responsible for monitoring their children’s online activities. Failure to comply could result in fines that reach up to AED 1 million, depending on the severity of the violation.
The law reflects the UAE government’s determination to tackle cyber threats against minors in a nation with one of the highest internet penetration rates in the region. At the same time, it raises critical questions about parental responsibility, enforcement, and practical compliance, particularly for families who may lack digital literacy or awareness of emerging online risks.
What the UAE Child Digital Safety Law Covers
The Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025, which came into effect in January 2026, sets out a framework designed to protect children under 18 from digital harm, including cyberbullying, grooming, inappropriate content, online harassment, and unsafe social media usage.
Unlike previous regulations that focused mainly on internet service providers and tech companies, this law explicitly extends responsibility to parents and guardians. Key obligations include:
Monitoring children’s online activity to prevent exposure to harmful content.
Installing parental controls on devices, apps, and platforms used by minors.
Preventing the sharing of personal or sensitive information online.
Reporting any cyber threats or grooming attempts to the relevant authorities.
The goal is to create a shared responsibility model, ensuring children’s safety by involving both caregivers and digital service providers.
Heavy Fines and Legal Liability
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the law is the financial penalties for parental negligence. These fines escalate depending on the seriousness of the infraction:
AED 5,000 for minor first-time violations where negligence is evident.
AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 if a child’s safety is directly compromised due to lack of oversight.
Higher fines up to AED 1 million for repeat offenses or deliberate facilitation of access to harmful content.
In addition, some cases may require mandatory digital safety training for parents, reinforcing awareness and compliance. This strict approach has sparked debate, with critics arguing that many parents could be unfairly penalized despite having good intentions.
Why the UAE Took This Step
Government authorities cite rising online threats against children as the main reason for the law. Studies and reports by the UAE Cybersecurity Council indicate that:
Many minors use smartphones and apps daily with limited supervision.
Exposure to social media, online gaming, and unregulated websites increases the risk of grooming, exploitation, and cyberbullying.
Unsafe online practices can have psychological, social, and financial consequences for children and families.
By including parents in the law, officials aim to strengthen prevention measures, creating a culture of vigilance and accountability within households.
Parental Responsibilities in Practice
Under the new law, parents are expected to be actively involved in all aspects of their children’s online life:
Monitoring social media activity and age-appropriate access.
Restricting access to platforms not suitable for minors.
Regularly reviewing app and browser history for potential risks.
Educating children about digital literacy, privacy, and safe online behavior.
This goes beyond casual supervision, requiring parents to develop a clear understanding of technology tools and cyber risks to remain compliant.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The law has generated mixed reactions among families and digital safety advocates. Supporters highlight the benefits:
Encourages proactive parental involvement in online safety.
Helps prevent exposure to harmful content and potential exploitation.
Establishes a clear legal framework to protect children in the digital space.
However, concerns have also been voiced:
Some parents worry about the complexity of compliance and potential fines.
Working families may struggle to monitor online activity continuously.
Critics suggest that the law could overburden parents, while not addressing systemic digital risks or tech platform accountability sufficiently.
Experts recommend parent education programs, awareness campaigns, and accessible digital tools to help families comply effectively.
Broader Implications for UAE Society
The law marks a significant shift in digital governance:
It strengthens legal protections for minors in a country increasingly reliant on online services.
By involving parents directly, the law signals that child digital safety is a societal responsibility, not just a corporate one.
It sets a precedent in the Gulf region for other countries considering similar child protection measures online.
At the same time, it underscores the need for ongoing support mechanisms, including technical guidance and educational resources for parents, so they can meet legal obligations without undue stress.
How Families Can Adapt
To comply and protect their children under this law, parents should:
Use parental control software on all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Regularly discuss online safety and responsible digital behavior with children.
Understand platform age restrictions and enforce appropriate access limits.
Stay informed about cyber threats and emerging risks.
Report suspicious activity immediately to authorities to ensure proactive protection.
By taking these steps, families can safeguard their children while avoiding fines or legal action.
Conclusion
The UAE’s Child Digital Safety Law represents a landmark effort to protect minors in the digital age. By assigning responsibility to parents, the government is encouraging vigilance, education, and accountability in safeguarding children from online harm.
While the law’s financial penalties and strict enforcement may appear intimidating, they also underscore the seriousness of digital risks today. With proper guidance and tools, parents can navigate these requirements effectively, protecting their children while remaining compliant.
Ultimately, this law reflects a holistic approach to child safety, combining legal accountability, technological oversight, and active parental involvement — a model that may influence digital protection policies globally.
About the Creator
Muhammad Hassan
Muhammad Hassan | Content writer with 2 years of experience crafting engaging articles on world news, current affairs, and trending topics. I simplify complex stories to keep readers informed and connected.
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