The introduction of the Child Digital Safety Law (CDS Law) represents a significant shift from digital guidance to legal responsibility. This legislation places explicit duties on parents, platforms, and service providers alike.
1 Expert Perspectives on the New Law
The Gulf News report highlights the professional insights of legal and cybersecurity experts regarding these changes:
“Caregivers are now expressly obligated to monitor activities and report harmful content immediately to authorities.”
Marina El Hachem
TMT Associate at BSA LAW
“Digital threats succeed by exploiting human behaviour. Children share personal data—such as school details and voice notes—gradually, which AI now uses to personalise and scale scams.”
Kenan Abu Ltaif
Regional Lead at Proofpoint
2 Legal Obligations for Caregivers
The CDS Law applies to anyone responsible for the care of a child (under 18). Under the law, caregivers must:
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Supervise Digital Use
Monitor online activities and use parental control tools.
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Manage Access
Refrain from creating or permitting accounts that are not age-appropriate.
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Protect Privacy & Dignity
Avoid exposing children online in ways that threaten their well-being or dignity.
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Mandatory Reporting
Comply with privacy requirements and report harmful or pornographic content to the authorities immediately.
3 Mandates for Digital Platforms
The law covers all platforms targeting UAE users, regardless of where they are headquartered:
Under-13 Protection
Platforms cannot collect or use personal data for children under 13 without explicit, documented, and verifiable parental consent.
Commercial Restrictions
The use of child data for commercial purposes or targeted advertising is prohibited.
Gambling Barriers
Children under 18 are barred from online commercial games, including gambling and betting platforms.
Required Controls
Platforms must implement age verification, content filtering, and strict advertising limits.
4 Supporting the School Community
The Gulf News report emphasises that digital safety requires coordinated action across households, platforms, and regulatory frameworks. At Z PD, we assist schools in bridging this “monitoring gap” by ensuring:
- Staff are trained to recognize the psychological tactics used in modern cyber threats.
- Parents are supported in fulfilling their new legal obligations under the CDS Law.
- Schools act as a central hub for safeguarding and responsible digital citizenship.
Z PD: Your Partner in Safeguarding
We help schools navigate digital safety legislation and protect their community.
Read Full Gulf News ReportSource: This briefing is based on the Gulf News report published January 2025. Read the original article →