Latest news with #EmmaBrain
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE's media law leaves creators wary of accidental violations as they seek clarity
Many UAE content creators fear unknowingly breaking new media laws despite holding licences/ Image: Pexels, File The UAE's new media law, which officially came into effect on May 29, 2025, has introduced sweeping changes that redefine how influencers and digital content creators operate across the country. Aimed at promoting responsible communication and preserving social values, the new regulations set out a clear framework for media licensing, content standards, and legal accountability, and apply even to creators based in UAE's free zones. As reported by Khaleej Times, the law has already started to impact the way creators work with brands, publish content, and manage their platforms. From revised contract practices to licensing decisions, many are now navigating a more structured, and at times uncertain, regulatory landscape. A push for responsibility: Licensing and compliance The legislation targets both traditional media outlets and new-age digital creators, including influencers earning revenue through content creation, paid partnerships, and product promotions. The law mandates specific licences for those engaged in what is defined as 'media activity,' and violations can result in substantial penalties. This has raised important questions within the creator community, particularly around what exactly falls under 'media activity' and how compliance can be ensured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'There's a fear of unknowingly violating something,' said Mohammed Mussab, a UAE-based content creator who often collaborates with wellness brands, speaking to Khaleej Times. 'Even with a licence, you're not always sure what's allowed and what could get flagged.' According to Khaleej Times, many creators are proactively seeking clarity by consulting with the National Media Council, the UAE's official media regulatory authority. The goal: avoid potential missteps and align operations with the updated framework. Case in point: A positive experience with the licensing process Among those who sought direct guidance was Emma Brain, a media professional and coach planning to launch a website for people over 40, featuring guidance articles and product reviews. Unsure whether the new law would apply to her site, she contacted the authorities. 'They (National Media Council) explained that my website was totally fine, but since I intended to review products, they advised me to get a marketing management licence through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which cost about Dh1,000. Once I got that, they even offered a free media licence for three years,' she told Khaleej Times. Emma said the process was surprisingly efficient: 'I got the DET licence approved in minutes. The media licence will take 10–15 days, but already covered for what I need. It's a weight off my shoulders.' She urged fellow creators not to rely on guesswork. 'They were so helpful. Don't guess. Just ask. It's better to be safe and know exactly what to do.' Industry reaction: Welcoming the shift Some in the media and production sector are viewing the law as a welcome step forward. Wissam Mustafa, head of communications at a local production firm, said the legislation is helping to bring structure to a field that had become fragmented and difficult to regulate. 'It already changed the way we sign contracts and run campaigns,' he said. 'We're now updating our internal processes, and to be honest, we welcome this shift.' 'In a world where content is evolving so fast, sometimes even in unpredictable ways, having clear and specified regulations is actually what we need. It helps everyone take the work seriously.' Expert legal opinion: Grey areas remain While the intent of the law has been broadly welcomed, legal experts have pointed out that certain aspects remain open to interpretation, particularly around definitions and cross-platform content. 'The intention is to bring structure and accountability, but there are grey areas,' said Layla Zahir, a Dubai-based legal expert. 'We expect more clarification over time, especially around definitions of media activity and cross-platform content.' As the UAE positions itself as a global leader in digital innovation and communication, this new law signals a firm step toward formalising its digital media sector. Influencers, businesses, and media professionals are now being called to rethink not just what they say, but how they operate, promote, and publish in an increasingly structured ecosystem.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE's new media law: How influencers, content creators navigate changing regulations
From brand partnerships to sponsored posts, content creators are now navigating a more tightly regulated landscape as the UAE's new media law comes into effect. Influencers and digital creators are taking a closer look at how the sweeping regulations could reshape the way they work. While the law is designed to promote ethical content and responsible communication, it also introduces new licensing requirements and hefty fines for violations. As a result, creators are raising questions about what constitutes 'media activity' and how they can be compliant. Some influencers have expressed concerns about accidentally breaking the rules, even with the best intentions. 'There's a fear of unknowingly violating something,' said Mohammed Mussab, a UAE-based content creator who often collaborated with wellness brands. 'Even with a licence, you're not always sure what's allowed and what could get flagged.' The new media law, which came into effect on May 29, introduced a wide-ranging regulatory framework aimed at fostering responsible content and protecting social values. It applies to licensed media outlets, influencers, and digital creators operating professionally in the UAE — even those based in free zones. It sets clear rules around licensing, fact-checking, and respectful communication. To better understand the law, some content creators have reached out to the National Media Council for clarification. Emma Brain, a media professional and coach, was pleasantly surprised by how accessible the process was. She had planned to launch a website offering guidance and reviews for people over 40, but she wasn't sure if the new regulations would apply to her. 'They (National Media Council) explained that my website was totally fine, but since I intended to review products, they advised me to get a marketing management licence through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which cost about Dh1,000. Once I got that, they even offered a free media licence for three years," she said. Emma was relieved at how quickly the process went. "I got the DET licence approved in minutes. The media licence will take 10-15 days, but already covered for what I need. It's a weight off my shoulders.' Emma encouraged others to reach out directly to authorities if they hae doubts. 'They were so helpful. Don't guess. Just ask. It's better to be safe and know exactly what to do,' she said. Others in the industry see the new rules as an opportunity to improve internal process, which they say is a step in the right direction. 'It already changed the way we sign contracts and run campaigns,' said Wissam Mustafa, head of communications at a local production firm. 'We're now updating our internal processes, and to be honest, we welcome this shift.' He said the law brings much-needed clarity to an increasingly complex industry. 'In a world where content is evolving so fast, sometimes even in unpredictable ways, having clear and specified regulations is actually what we need. It helps everyone take the work seriously.' However, legal experts caution. that the implementation of the law might still face some challenges. 'The intention is to bring structure and accountability, but there are grey areas,' said Layla Zahir, a Dubai-based legal expert 'We expect more clarification over time, especially around definitions of media activity and cross-platform content.'
