In a growing global effort to protect children from the potential hazards of the digital landscape, the Saudi Shoura Council has officially requested that the Communications, Space and Technology Commission implement strict age verification protocols for social media platforms. The proposed regulations aim to limit access for users under the age of 16, mirroring a broader international trend where nations are re-evaluating the impact of constant connectivity on youth. Beyond digital safety, the council is also pushing for modernized infrastructure, urging the government to leverage existing fiber-optic capacity to boost internet service quality and foster commercial growth within the private space sector.

This move aligns with regional shifts, particularly in the UAE, which recently passed legislation barring children under 15 from maintaining personal social media accounts or engaging with core features like commenting and sharing. These developments highlight a collective move by Gulf nations to prioritize child safety through standardized media policies. As countries tighten their digital boundaries, the focus remains on ensuring that the virtual environment becomes a safer space, effectively curbing underage exposure regardless of parental consent.