Egypt Bans Independent Social Media Accounts for Children Under 13 and Mandates Safe Mode for Ages 13-15

This decree sets a precedent for digital child protection laws in the region, influencing how social media platforms operate and enforce age restrictions.

• Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) and National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) issued a decree on September 17, 2026, banning independent social media accounts for children under 13.
• Mandatory Safe Mode is required for users aged 13 to under 15, aimed at reducing risks like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
• Platforms have 30 days to submit implementation plans and three months for full compliance, including age verification mechanisms.

• Incremental measures: Egyptian authorities have been progressively implementing digital safety measures for minors since early 2026, including discussions on legislation to combat "digital chaos."
• International influence: The decree draws inspiration from similar regulations in Australia and the UK, reflecting a global trend towards stricter online protections for children.
• Public support: The National Council for Human Rights has welcomed the decree, emphasizing the need for a balance between child safety and privacy.

The joint decree from Egypt's SCMR and NTRA represents a significant shift in how the country approaches digital safety for minors. By prohibiting independent social media accounts for children under 13, the government aims to create a safer online environment, addressing concerns about cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content. This move aligns with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's directives to protect children under 15 from online harms, reflecting a growing recognition of the risks associated with unregulated internet access.

The decree divides protections into two distinct age tiers. For children under 13, the absolute prohibition on independent accounts means that platforms must ensure that no child can create a personal account without parental oversight. For those aged 13 to under 15, the mandatory Safe Mode activation means that users in this age group will have restricted access to certain content, which cannot be disabled. This approach not only aims to shield younger users from harmful interactions but also places the onus on social media platforms to implement effective age verification systems.

Platforms operating in Egypt must submit detailed implementation plans within 30 days, outlining how they will comply with these new regulations. They will also need to review existing accounts that may belong to minors under 15 and provide mechanisms for users to appeal age-related errors. Non-compliance could lead to severe penalties, including service suspension or blocking within Egypt, which underscores the urgency for platforms to adapt quickly.

The decree is part of a broader legislative effort to enhance digital safety for minors, which includes potential future laws targeting other online risks, such as betting platforms and violent games. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Egypt's regulatory framework is likely to adapt in response to emerging challenges, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.

• Social Media Platforms: Companies like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must adapt their policies and technologies to comply with the new regulations.
• Parents and Guardians: They will need to navigate new restrictions and understand how to manage their children's online presence.
• Children and Teens: Users aged 13 to under 15 will experience changes in their social media interactions and content access.
• Digital Marketers: Professionals targeting younger demographics will need to adjust their strategies in light of these regulations.

• Compliance Strategies: Monitor how social media platforms develop and implement age verification technologies to comply with the decree, as this could set industry standards.
• Public Response: Watch for feedback from parents and advocacy groups regarding the effectiveness and fairness of these regulations, which could influence future amendments.
• Legislative Developments: Keep an eye on potential new laws addressing other aspects of digital safety, as the government may expand its regulatory focus beyond social media.