International
UAE Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
UAE Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction as governments worldwide seek to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on children. The Cabinet resolution, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was announced on Thursday and forms part of a broader legislative framework aimed at protecting children in the digital environment. The resolution reflects the UAE’s commitment to establishing an advanced model for child protection in the digital space, reinforcing the national digital safety framework in line with the rapid evolution of technology use, and striking a balance between enabling responsible use of modern technologies and ensuring the highest standards of child protection.
Under the resolution, children under 15 are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. The ban means they will not be able to post content, comment, share, or join public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces. Crucially, parental consent does not constitute a valid exemption from the prohibition. Platforms are required to implement all necessary technical and administrative measures to enforce this ban, including monitoring personal accounts created by underage children and taking immediate action to suspend or disable such accounts. The resolution applies to all social media platforms operating in the UAE, whether free or paid, that enable users to create accounts or personal profiles, engage in social interaction, publish or share content, or that rely on algorithmic systems to display, rank or recommend content.
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Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will be allowed to use social media platforms, subject to enhanced protective measures applied to their accounts. These measures include age-appropriate content classification and restriction, disabling high-risk features such as interaction with unknown users, regulation of usage time and duration, and the provision of parental control tools, allowing caregivers to configure account settings provided such configuration does not contravene prescribed prohibitions. The enhanced safeguards are designed to create a safer online environment for older teenagers while still allowing them to benefit from social media’s educational and social opportunities.
The rules apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE and require companies to implement robust age-verification measures. Self-declaration of age will not be accepted as a valid form of verification. Platforms must adopt digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies such as biometric tools to verify user ages, or any other mechanisms approved by the Child Digital Safety Council. They are also required to disable accounts created by children under 15, prevent users from circumventing age-verification systems, refrain from using children’s personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling, and ensure data is not retained beyond the period strictly necessary. These provisions place significant compliance burdens on social media companies operating in the UAE market.
The social media age restriction is part of a wider Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety (No. 26/2025) , which came into force on January 1, 2026. The comprehensive legislation establishes a new era of accountability for digital platforms operating in the UAE. The decree-law establishes the Child Digital Safety Council, chaired by the Minister of Family, tasked with proposing policies, legislation, and national awareness initiatives. It also establishes a platform classification system to assess risk and impact on children, and prohibits platforms from collecting, processing, or sharing personal data of children under 13 unless strict conditions are met. The law further mandates that platforms implement blocking and filtering tools, age-rating systems, and controls on targeted advertising, while also providing user-friendly reporting mechanisms for harmful content.
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Social media companies will have up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations. The UAE’s media and telecommunications regulatory bodies have authority to take all necessary measures against platforms in the event of non-compliance. Penalties for non-compliance may include warnings, partial or full blocking of platforms, or administrative penalties. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) will oversee compliance and enforcement, supported by the Child Digital Safety Council. The phased compliance timeline gives companies time to adjust their systems and procedures to meet the new requirements.
The new law also imposes obligations on parents and caregivers, requiring them to monitor their children’s digital activities, use parental control tools, refrain from creating accounts for children on platforms that are not age-appropriate, refrain from circumventing age verification mechanisms, promote children’s awareness of digital risks and safe usage practices, and report harmful content or child sexual abuse material to the competent authorities. These provisions emphasize the shared responsibility between platforms, parents, and regulators in ensuring child safety online.
The UAE joins a growing list of countries implementing age-based restrictions on social media. Australia introduced a world-first social media ban for under-16s in December 2025, while the United Kingdom announced a similar ban this week. Greece, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey have also introduced or are considering measures to regulate children’s access to social media platforms. The UAE government said the measures were designed to address concerns over children’s exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use, and the collection of personal data. As governments worldwide grapple with the challenges of protecting children in the digital age, the UAE’s move represents a significant step in establishing comprehensive legal frameworks for child digital safety.
UAE Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
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International
US Offers $20m Reward, Relocation for Information on Iran’s Nuclear Programme
The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million, alongside the possibility of relocation, for anyone who provides credible information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment and personnel.
The offer was announced by the US Department of State through its Rewards for Justice programme and publicised by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday, November 6, 2026.
According to the announcement, the reward covers information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment and individuals associated with the programme, including members of the scientific community.
The US is also seeking intelligence about the movement of any of the facilities, equipment or personnel connected to the programme.
The Rewards for Justice programme said the offer could provide informants with up to $20 million and the possibility of relocation, although it did not specify the exact criteria for determining the amount payable for particular information.
The initiative is part of Washington’s efforts to obtain intelligence on Iran’s nuclear activities amid continuing tensions between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
In explaining the decision, the US State Department referred to concerns raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its compliance with international nuclear safeguards.
The department said the IAEA reported in 2025 that Iran was enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity, a level significantly higher than the enrichment required for most civilian nuclear applications and relatively close to the 90 per cent generally associated with weapons-grade uranium.
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According to the US government, further enrichment of Iran’s existing stockpile could potentially produce enough material for several nuclear weapons.
Washington also accused Tehran of failing to meet its safeguards obligations to the IAEA, saying the agency had lost what it described as its “continuity of knowledge” regarding Iran’s production and inventory of important nuclear components, including centrifuges.
Centrifuges are machines used to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the uranium-235 isotope.
The United States maintains that Iran’s nuclear activities pose a security concern, although Tehran has consistently insisted that its nuclear programme is peaceful and intended for civilian purposes.
The Rewards for Justice programme was established in 1984 under the US government’s national security rewards initiative. It is administered by the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security and offers financial incentives for information that protects American lives and advances US national security interests.
The latest offer comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear dispute and prevent further escalation of the conflict involving the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that American military operations have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, Washington continues to seek intelligence about the programme, including the location of facilities and the activities of individuals connected to it.
Trump said on Friday that Iran was interested in reaching an agreement with Washington, adding that discussions were ongoing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also indicated that his government remains interested in resolving the crisis through dialogue.
The latest $20 million offer signals that the United States is continuing to pursue intelligence on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure even as diplomatic efforts to address the dispute remain underway.
US Offers $20m Reward, Relocation for Information on Iran’s Nuclear Programme
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International
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
Muslim Candidates Also Secure State Senate Seats In New York, Illinois And Georgia
WASHINGTON, United States — Muslim candidates have recorded significant electoral victories in the November 3, 2026, United States midterm elections, with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed making history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, while at least seven other Muslim candidates secured seats in the House of Representatives.
The electoral successes, which also saw Muslim politicians win state legislative positions across different parts of the country, represent a significant development in the political participation and representation of Muslim Americans.
El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s Senate election stands out as one of the most remarkable achievements of the elections, breaking a longstanding barrier for Muslim representation in the upper chamber of the US Congress.
The physician and former public health official defeated Republican challenger Mike Rogers in the contest, securing a seat in the Senate and making history as the first Muslim American elected to the institution.
His victory adds a new dimension to the growing influence of Muslim politicians in American public life, particularly at a time when debates over immigration, civil rights, healthcare and US foreign policy continue to shape the country’s political landscape.
Beyond El-Sayed’s historic achievement, Muslim candidates also recorded notable victories in the House of Representatives.
Among them is Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who secured re-election in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
Omar, one of the most prominent Muslim politicians in the United States, has remained a major voice in congressional debates involving immigration, healthcare, civil rights and American foreign policy.
Another incumbent, Rashida Tlaib, also retained her seat representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.
Tlaib, who has consistently advocated Palestinian rights and criticised US military support for Israel, remains one of the most recognisable Muslim lawmakers in the American legislature.
Democratic Congressman André Carson equally secured another term representing Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, extending his presence as one of the longest-serving Muslim members of the US Congress.
In California, Lateefah Simon won re-election in the 12th Congressional District, while Adam Hamawy secured victory in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
Hamawy’s victory is particularly significant because he becomes the first Muslim to represent New Jersey in the US Congress.
Another notable winner was Darializa Avila Chevalier, who secured New York’s 13th Congressional District.
The congressional victories bring the number of Muslim candidates elected to the US House of Representatives to at least six, in addition to El-Sayed’s historic Senate victory.
Muslim women also recorded significant achievements in state legislative elections.
In New York, Aber Kawas won the State Senate’s 12th District, marking an important milestone for Palestinian-American political representation.
Similarly, Nabeela Syed secured victory in Illinois State Senate District 26, defeating Republican incumbent Darby Hills.
In Georgia, Palestinian-American politician Ruwa Romman also won the State Senate District 7 contest, further strengthening Muslim representation in the state’s political institutions.
The victories came amid a major political shift in Washington, with Democrats recording significant gains in the midterm elections, creating fresh political challenges for President Donald Trump’s Republican administration.
The elections were contested against the backdrop of intense debates over the economy, immigration, healthcare, civil liberties and America’s foreign policy, particularly its relationship with Israel and the Palestinian question.
Muslim candidates have increasingly become visible in these debates, with several advocating policies involving civil rights, humanitarian assistance, healthcare access, immigration and social justice.
Reports published after the elections indicated that at least 36 Muslim candidates had won or were leading in various federal, state and local contests, although some results remained subject to further counting and verification.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had earlier tracked more than 160 Muslim-American candidates seeking elective positions across different levels of government.
The latest victories therefore represent another important chapter in the political participation of Muslim Americans, whose representation has continued to expand in America’s democratic institutions.
With El-Sayed’s historic Senate victory, the successes of Muslim congressional candidates and the emergence of other Muslim lawmakers in state legislatures, the 2026 midterm elections have delivered a significant boost to Muslim political representation in the United States.
However, unofficial election projections and results remain subject to formal certification by the relevant electoral authorities.
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
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International
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Billionaire technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has broken his silence following a stunning Democratic victory in the 2026 United States midterm elections, making sarcastic remarks after spending hundreds of millions of dollars to support Republican candidates who suffered major electoral setbacks.
Musk, the world’s richest man and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, reportedly committed approximately $458 million to political groups and candidates backing Republicans in the elections, making him the biggest individual political donor in the 2026 election cycle.
However, the massive financial investment failed to prevent Democrats from securing a sweeping victory, taking control of both chambers of Congress and recording significant gains in several traditionally Republican strongholds.
Reacting to the outcome on Tuesday night, Musk took to his social media platform, X, where he appeared to make light of the electoral setback.
“Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote.
In another post, the billionaire added: “Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn’t work this time.”
The comments, which attracted considerable attention online, appeared to reflect his frustration with the outcome, although they were delivered in his characteristic sarcastic style.
Musk’s political investment had been directed towards strengthening Republican chances of retaining control of Congress, with substantial financial backing going to political action committees and groups supporting candidates across several states.
One of the most expensive political battles involved Texas, where Musk reportedly spent more than $200 million supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Despite the enormous financial backing, Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated Paxton, delivering a major blow to the Republican campaign and another setback for Musk’s political influence.
Other Republican-backed candidates also suffered significant defeats, reinforcing the scale of the Democratic resurgence.
The results have raised fresh questions about the influence of wealthy political donors in American elections, particularly whether massive campaign spending can overcome voter dissatisfaction with government policies and political leadership.
Meanwhile, Musk appeared to acknowledge the significance of the election outcome when he reacted with a brief “Interesting” to exit polling data suggesting that although Republican voters remained supportive of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the ongoing conflict involving Iran had become a major electoral liability for the party.
The election results suggest that economic concerns, rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, alongside the Iran conflict, played significant roles in shaping voters’ decisions.
The Democratic victories have also created a major political challenge for Trump, whose administration is expected to face increased congressional scrutiny during the remaining two years of his presidency.
With Democrats now controlling both chambers of Congress, the party will have greater power to obstruct Republican legislative proposals, scrutinise government activities and investigate policies of the Trump administration.
For Musk, the outcome represents a significant setback after his unprecedented financial involvement in the election cycle.
Although political donations do not automatically translate into electoral victories, the results have reignited debate over the limits of billionaire influence in American democracy.
His latest comments also suggest that the billionaire may be turning his attention back to his ambitious space technology projects as the political consequences of the Democratic victory begin to unfold.
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
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