UAE cybersecurity chief warns families are first line of defence online
New rules on children’s social media access aim to curb digital risks and strengthen cyber resilience
Dubai: In an exclusive statement, Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government’s Cyber Security Council, affirmed that families are strategic partners on the first line of cyber defence. He noted that, in practical terms, it is impossible to monitor every device in every home. Therefore, the family’s pivotal role in proactive monitoring and activating available protection tools — supported by the recent Cabinet decision regulating children’s access to social media platforms — is crucial. Al Kuwaiti emphasised the importance of this decision in protecting young people from various cybercrimes.
He stated: “We recognise that young people today represent a key front in cyber conflict. They are exposed to a complex web of risks. On one hand, they are direct targets of online blackmail and digital grooming carried out by criminals who exploit their inexperience. On the other hand, they are vulnerable to systematic media manipulation, where their innocence and enthusiasm during crises are used to spread extremist ideologies or malicious rumours aimed at destabilising society.”
He added that the decision is not merely a ban, but a reset of the digital compass. “We are protecting our children from becoming unwitting tools in information warfare and shielding them from falling prey to cybercrimes that target their personal security, as well as their psychological and social future, ultimately strengthening the resilience of society as a whole.”
Regarding monitoring mechanisms to ensure social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram comply with the decision, Al Kuwaiti stressed that this is a top priority. The approach focuses on obligating platforms to implement effective and reliable age verification systems.
He added that monitoring outcomes alone is not sufficient. Efforts will also ensure platforms prevent children under 15 from creating accounts and introduce enhanced protections for the 15–16 age group, including content classification, restricted interactions, regulated usage times, and effective parental control tools.
Penalties and even partial or full suspension
He highlighted that authorities have the power to enforce compliance through direct measures, including administrative penalties and even partial or full suspension of platforms in cases of non-compliance.
On evaluating age verification tools, Al Kuwaiti said: “From a technical perspective, self-declaration of age is no longer acceptable under our standards. Platforms will be required to adopt advanced verification methods such as digital identity, official ID checks, or certified estimation using biometrics and artificial intelligence capable of analysing behavioural patterns.”
He stressed that these mechanisms must be accurate, proportionate and designed to respect data privacy, collecting only the minimum necessary data while preventing attempts to bypass controls.
He added: “The UAE Pass digital identity is a leading tool in our national digital ecosystem, and we encourage platforms to adopt reliable and innovative verification solutions that comply with national standards.”
He reiterated that the UAE’s approach focuses on requiring platforms to implement reliable verification systems — whether through digital identity or other approved solutions — while ensuring data protection and preventing intrusive surveillance practices.
Addressing smaller platforms without a regional presence, Al Kuwaiti stressed that compliance with UAE laws is mandatory regardless of location. Platforms are responsible for implementing age verification procedures and protecting young users’ privacy. He added that authorities have a clear regulatory framework and the power to take enforcement action against non-compliant platforms.
On children using methods such as VPNs to bypass restrictions, he said tackling circumvention is part of platform responsibilities. Platforms must take reasonable steps to limit such behaviour, while families also play a vital role.
“We do not rely solely on technical solutions,” he said. “We work in parallel to enhance digital awareness among families and children, equipping them with the tools needed to build healthy digital habits.”
Al Kuwaiti concluded: “I view the family as a strategic partner on the first line of cyber defence. Practically, we cannot monitor every device in every home, so the family’s role in informed supervision and activating protection tools is essential.”
He added that educational institutions are also key to raising a digitally aware generation, extending beyond traditional curricula to promote cybersecurity awareness and responsible online behaviour.
He emphasised that the decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework, but its success depends on family awareness and the role of schools in guiding young people towards the responsible use of technology, with authorities ready to provide full support.