UAE reveals new media rules with fines of up to Dh2 million
The UAE Media Council on Thursday announced a comprehensive new system to regulate the country's media sector.
The framework, which will apply to everything from traditional publications to modern-day content creators and influencers, introduces a clear set of 20 content standards that media entities must meet.
These include respect for all religions, the UAE's sovereignty, national institutions, and privacy rights.
Content deemed harmful to the country's foreign relations, economy, or public trust such as fake news will not be tolerated, the council said.
What are the punishments?
Those who break the new regulations could face administrative fines of up to Dh1 million, which can be doubled to Dh2 million for repeat offences.
Additionally, temporary closure of a business for up to six months or permanent closure may be enforced with cancellation of the licence.
'This isn't about tightening control, but empowering the sector,' said Mohammed Al Shehhi, secretary general of the UAE Media Council on Thursday in a press conference in Dubai.
'The new system offers flexible services and licences for all segments of the media industry, supporting innovation without adding financial strain. We are protecting intellectual property without limiting free speech.'
How does it affect influencers?
The UAE has introduced rules to regulate social media influencers in recent years. One of these is the need for a licence.
If you are making money from your social media posts anywhere in the UAE then you will need to apply for the licence from the National Media Council.
This costs Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but the total costs can vary depending on which emirate you operate in.
For more on influencer licences, check out The National's guide here.
The new system establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields, Mr Al Shehhi said.
How will it be regulated?
Maitha Al Suwaidi, chief executive of strategy and media policy at the UAE Media Council, said they will launch a unified AI and analytics platform to regulate and assess media content before publication.
'The new AI-powered platform will report fake advertisement and false information,' she said.
Designed to support the council's national regulatory mandate, the platform provides a single, AI-powered environment to analyse, inspect, and validate media content that is pending release such as books, films, artworks, and more.
This will ensure accelerated, thorough and accurate reviews of content that aligns with UAE laws, values, and standards before reaching the public.
Previously, tasks such as the inspection and licensing of media content were conducted manually.
'Our aim to empower media talent, cultivating a competitive local media ecosystem, driving development of the media industry, and bolstering UAE status as a global media hub,' added Ms Al Suwaidi.
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