UAE Cybersecurity Chief Strengthens Family Role as First Line of Defence Against Digital Risks
New regulations governing children’s access to social media platforms have been introduced in the UAE to mitigate digital risks and enhance cyber resilience. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government’s Cyber Security Council, emphasized the critical partnership between families and the government in safeguarding young users from cyber threats.
Families as Strategic Partners
Dr. Al Kuwaiti highlighted that families are essential in the fight against cybercrime. He acknowledged the challenges of monitoring every device in households, making proactive family involvement vital. The recent Cabinet decision aimed at regulating children’s access to social media underscores the importance of this partnership. The decision is designed to protect youth from various forms of cybercrime, including online blackmail and digital grooming.
He stated that young people today face a multitude of risks online. They are often targeted by criminals who exploit their naivety, making them vulnerable to manipulation and misinformation. This includes the spread of extremist ideologies and malicious rumors, particularly during crises.
A Reset of the Digital Compass
Dr. Al Kuwaiti described the new regulations as a “reset of the digital compass.” The aim is to shield children from becoming unwitting participants in information warfare and to protect their personal security and psychological well-being. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen societal resilience against digital threats.
To ensure compliance, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram will be required to implement effective age verification systems. Dr. Al Kuwaiti stressed that monitoring outcomes alone will not suffice; platforms must actively prevent children under 15 from creating accounts and provide enhanced protections for those aged 15 to 16. This includes content classification, restricted interactions, regulated usage times, and robust parental control tools.
Enforcement Measures and Compliance
Authorities possess the power to enforce compliance through various measures, including administrative penalties and the potential for partial or full suspension of non-compliant platforms. Dr. Al Kuwaiti noted that self-declaration of age is no longer acceptable under the new standards. Platforms will need to adopt advanced verification methods, such as digital identity checks, official ID verification, or certified estimation using biometrics and artificial intelligence.
These verification mechanisms must be accurate and respect data privacy, collecting only the minimum necessary information while preventing attempts to bypass controls. The UAE Pass digital identity system is highlighted as a leading tool in the national digital ecosystem, encouraging platforms to adopt reliable verification solutions that meet national standards.
Obligations for All Platforms
Dr. Al Kuwaiti made it clear that compliance with UAE laws is mandatory for all platforms, regardless of their location. This includes implementing age verification procedures and safeguarding young users’ privacy. Authorities have established a clear regulatory framework and are prepared to take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply.
In addressing the issue of children using VPNs to circumvent restrictions, he stated that it is the responsibility of platforms to take reasonable steps to limit such behavior. Families also play a crucial role in this regard.
Dr. Al Kuwaiti emphasized that the approach is not solely reliant on technical solutions. There is a parallel effort to enhance digital awareness among families and children, equipping them with the necessary tools to foster healthy digital habits.
The Role of Educational Institutions
Dr. Al Kuwaiti reiterated the importance of families as strategic partners in cyber defense. He acknowledged the practical limitations of monitoring every device in every home, making informed family supervision and the activation of protection tools essential. Educational institutions also play a vital role in cultivating a digitally aware generation. This extends beyond traditional curricula to include promoting cybersecurity awareness and responsible online behavior.
The success of the new regulations hinges on family awareness and the active involvement of schools in guiding young people toward responsible technology use. Authorities are committed to providing full support in these efforts.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-06-30 17:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk