Source : WAM
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has concluded the Child Digital Safety Forum, held under the theme “Towards a Safe and Sustainable Digital Environment for Future Generations,” with discussions centred on institutional and community-based approaches to protecting children in the digital space.
The forum highlighted efforts to enhance coordination among relevant institutions and raise public awareness of newly introduced legislation, as the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025 on Child Digital Safety comes into effect.
The second day of the forum, moderated by Counsellor Hassan Al Hammadi, Director of the Prosecution Administration in Abu Dhabi, was conducted via the virtual platform of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Academy. Sessions focused on digital safety risks facing children, the roles of government bodies and social media platforms, and the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government, delivered a presentation titled “Cybersecurity in the Digital Environment and Its Role in Child Protection,” in which he highlighted key cyber threats targeting children. He stressed the importance of establishing an integrated preventive system supported by advanced technologies, effective legislation, and strong institutional coordination among relevant authorities.
Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution, reviewed the law’s human rights framework and its alignment with international conventions, noting that it seeks to balance child protection with the preservation of children’s rights in the digital environment.
The forum also addressed the responsibilities of digital platforms. Dr Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Adviser at the Technical Office of the Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, explained that legal frameworks regulate platform operations and outline compliance mechanisms with national laws, including technical measures aimed at safeguarding children.
Dr Mahmoud Muslim, journalist and member of the Egyptian Senate, called for a shift away from restriction-based policies toward strategies that build digital awareness and resilience among children and families. He emphasized the role of education and media in supporting this approach.
Colleen O’Toole, former appellate judge and prosecutor in Ashtabula County, Ohio, discussed legal accountability for artificial intelligence platforms in cases involving crimes against children. She highlighted mechanisms to enforce obligations and strengthen child protection amid rapid technological advancements.
In the closing session, Dr Sami Al Toukhy, Director of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Academy, stressed the importance of advancing the concept of “digital judicial sovereignty” to address cross-border cybercrime. He noted that the new law establishes clear obligations for digital platforms and reinforces the UAE’s leadership in child digital safety.
