UAE Cracks Down On 160,000 Illicit Websites To Safeguard Youth

In a resolute move to protect the younger generation from harmful online content, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, disclosed that 160,000 illicit websites and social media accounts have been shuttered.

160,000 illicit websites and social media accounts have been shuttered in the UAE

During a recent cabinet meeting, Sheikh Mohammed underscored the pivotal role of the Digital Wellbeing Council in collaborating with social media giants to combat illegal platforms and content. The crackdown primarily targeted websites and accounts involved in the illicit sale of drugs and banned substances, aiming to safeguard the future of the UAE’s youth.

Emphasizing the significance of a collective effort to shield children from detrimental influences, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the critical partnership between families, media, and schools in nurturing a safe digital environment. He affirmed, “We emphasise the importance of cooperation among families, media and schools to safeguard our children, who are the most valuable asset of our nation.”

Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed lauded the substantial strides made in protecting employees’ rights and welfare in the UAE. Notably, over seven million workers across all sectors are benefiting from the Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme (ILOE), with 98 percent of the workforce covered by the Workers’ Protection Programme.

In a bid to further fortify the nation’s labor market, the cabinet approved a new structure for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, including the establishment of a coordinating council. This initiative aims to bolster market stability, enhance competitiveness, and prioritize the welfare of the workforce—a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic advancement.