Snap Faces UAE Under-15 Ban and Unveils $2,195 AR Specs Amid Design Critiques
SNAP•UAE will ban under-15 users and mandate digital-ID checks and parental controls with 12-month compliance, likely raising Snap’s moderation costs and limiting youth growth. Snap’s $2,195 AR Specs debut this fall in U.S., U.K. and France with a $200 deposit, but design critiques risk hampering adoption.
1. UAE Under-15 Usage Ban and Compliance Requirements
Children under 15 will be barred from creating or using social media accounts, and platforms must implement digital-ID age verification, parental controls, screen-time limits and restrictions on unknown contacts. Companies have 12 months to comply, which may increase Snap’s content moderation expenses and slow youth user acquisition in the UAE.
2. Launch of $2,195 AR Specs and Market Reception
Snap introduced its AR Specs—described as a wearable computer—priced at $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit ahead of a fall rollout in the U.S., U.K. and France. While the device offers AI assistance, navigation and shared digital experiences, early consumer feedback highlights bulky frames and style concerns that could hinder adoption and revenue projections.
