The UAE government has introduced a new digital safety initiative aimed at creating a safer online environment for young people. This program, developed in partnership with Meta, is designed to enhance privacy and improve the psychological and behavioral quality of life for adolescents.

The Digital Wellbeing Council, led by Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced this groundbreaking feature, marking the first of its kind in the region. It aims to shield teenagers from inappropriate or unwanted content, thus ensuring a safe and age-appropriate digital experience that aligns with the UAE’s noble principles and values.

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the UAE is committed to fostering an integrated digital environment that enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities. He noted that this initiative reflects the directives and visions of the UAE’s leadership, creating an advanced development model that is digitally supported and empowers individuals with future tools.

The new feature will be implemented on Meta’s Instagram platform. It includes advanced algorithms that detect unwanted material for adolescents and offers smart monitoring tools for parents. This initiative seeks to create an interactive environment that respects privacy while promoting responsible use of technology, thereby improving digital life quality and reducing exposure to negative content.

The launch event featured a youth circle with notable figures, including Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and other ministers. The event also unveiled a guide designed to help parents discuss the new digital feature with their children, highlighting its importance in ensuring teenagers’ digital security.

Additionally, a roundtable was organized for members of the Digital Wellbeing Council, decision-makers, and private sector representatives. They shared insights and recommendations to enhance sector integration, promote innovative solutions, and ensure sustainable impacts that align with future aspirations. The discussions also covered the role of governments in establishing safety and privacy principles, as well as identifying gaps in Instagram’s policies regarding digital security.

To further this initiative, the Digital Wellbeing Council held a workshop for teenagers, parents, and influencers, focusing on the significance of the new feature in protecting young users online. The Council’s mandate includes monitoring digital changes and their implications for government operations, aiming to support and regulate digital life effectively.

In its efforts, the Council will also coordinate plans among UAE government entities to enhance digital wellbeing across society, review current legislation, and engage with international organizations focused on digital safety.