Latest news with #mediaregulation
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
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.
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE announces new media law in 40 years with MAJOR changes for digital content sector
The UAE has unveiled its first media law in more than four decades as part of a sweeping overhaul of the country's media regulatory framework announced at a press conference in Dubai yesterday. The Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation mark a shift towards regulating emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, gaming, and on-demand broadcasting platforms that did not exist when previous media legislation was enacted. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, told reporters at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, that the new system represents a departure from traditional media regulation approaches and embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. New UAE Media Regulation system targets AI, gaming and on-demand broadcasting 'The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth,' Al Shehhi said, according to a statement by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The legislation follows a two-year development process involving what Al Shehhi described as 'close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application.' He added that 'this approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.' The Secretary-General emphasised that the regulatory framework goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. 'We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact,' he said, highlighting what he described as the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective media. 'The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels,' Al Shehhi added. Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, told the conference that the Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape through what she described as a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary environment. She said this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media industry. Al Suwaidi explained that the roadmap extends beyond traditional legal frameworks, incorporating not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions that reflect what she called 'a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values,' according to the statement. A key component of the new system is a resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals, which Al Suwaidi said aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. The measure also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees, she stated. UAE announces new age rating system following rising concerns over digital content access The UAE Media Council will implement a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, which Al Suwaidi described as particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. Officials are also developing a new policy for licensing digital news platforms to establish what they describe as clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework. The regulatory package includes the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing what Al Suwaidi called 'a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system.' She said this user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment. Al Suwaidi emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to the system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy. Fee exemptions for several media services will support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message, she explained. She concluded that the new legislative system represents what she described as 'a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality.' The system provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness, according to Al Suwaidi. The Media Council was established in February 2023 as part of broader government restructuring aimed at consolidating media oversight under a single regulatory body, building the foundation for what officials describe as this transformative journey.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Up to Dh2 million fine: UAE announces new system to regulate media
The UAE Media Council has launched an integrated system to regulate, empower, and stimulate the growth of the media sector, it was announced at a press conference in Dubai on Thursday. A new platform will soon be established to enable community monitoring of content as part of this comprehensive initiative. This new framework, developed over the past two years to align with contemporary changes while carrying the nation's message, includes regulations for business operations, violations, exemptions for content creators and innovators, and other regulatory decisions. Among the key provisions is allowing individuals to own media institutions and outlets under specific controls and conditions. This marks the first media regulatory law issued in over 40 years. The system regulates media activities for individuals and various media institutions, establishing 20 new standards for media content circulated and published in the country. These standards aim to preserve national identity and set conditions and controls for advertising to ensure all media entities comply with content guidelines. The regulations prohibit misleading content, prevent confusion between content and advertising, require clear advertising messages, and ban unauthorised content in related sectors such as health advertisements. Administrative penalties outlined in the law include warnings and financial fines reaching up to Dh1 million. These penalties can be doubled to Dh2 million in case of repeated violations. Other penalties may also include cancellation of licenses, permits, and approvals issued to individuals, establishments, or media institutions. The council announced an incentive system to support local content, including exemptions for creators, writers, and local productions in cinema and theatre. The system introduces specialised packages for publishing, cinema, and electronic games, and creates categories for small cinemas to support their business development. The new regulatory framework aims to develop a modern legislative and investment media environment to keep pace with changes and transformations in the media sector, regulate media activities in the country in all their types and forms, and elevate media content while stimulating the production of local content that aligns with media content standards.
Russia Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Harry Potter could be banned in Russia
Russia's new laws against the promotion of illegal 'childfree' ideology could potentially target popular films and TV series like 'Harry Potter' and 'Game of Thrones', the Parliamentary Newspaper claimed on Monday. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill prohibiting the promotion of childlessness and aimed at preventing the dissemination of materials that encourage the rejection of parenthood through the media, films, advertising and online. Content found to violate these rules can be blocked and those who publish it may face fines up to 400,000 rubles ($5,000) for individuals and up to 5 million rubles ($62,000) for officials and legal entities. Russia's Ministry of Culture and media watchdog Roskomnadzor has now introduced its own definition of what content could be considered to be in violation of the legislation. The criteria are set to come into force in September. According to the Parliamentary Newspaper, the register of prohibited information will include content that 'encourages or justifies the refusal to have children,' demonstrates a 'negative image' of pregnancy and parenthood, or forms 'distorted ideas' about the advantages of refusing to have kids. The outlet has suggested that a number of popular movies and TV shows could potentially fall under these criteria if regulators dig deep enough to find representations of childfree ideology. For example, the newspaper suggested that the Harry Potter franchise could end up being banned due to the character of Professor McGonagall who was not shown to have children in the films. Another candidate is 'Game of Thrones', where the character of Brienne had chosen to become a knight instead of being a mother. The popular series 'Sex and the City' could also be on the chopping block because the character of Samatha demonstrates 'obvious childree tendencies,' according to the Parliamentary Newspaper. The same could supposedly be said for Claire from the 'House of Cards' TV Show, who put her career first and showed no regret over not having children. However, Roskomnadzor officials have told the outlet that the decision to block content would be carried out on an individual basis and said that the watchdog's experts have not yet conducted any such examinations. The regulator later released a statement saying it has no plans to ban either Harry Potter or Game of Thrones over childfree propaganda concerns. Russia's Ministry of Culture has also responded to the Parliamentary Newspaper article by pointing out that the aforementioned films and series have already lost their distribution certificates due to the departure of their copyright holders from the country. It also clarified that the ministry does not have the power to block content on the internet. The Harry Potter franchise has been massively popular in Russia, having sold millions of books and grossed over $50 million in theaters over the years. However, the films and novels have been absent from official digital and physical stores in the country since 2022 when most Western media companies pulled their licenses over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
Russia Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Harry Potter could be banned in Russia — media
Russia's new laws against the promotion of illegal 'childfree' ideology could potentially target popular films and TV series like 'Harry Potter' and 'Game of Thrones', the Parliamentary Newspaper claimed on Monday. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill prohibiting the promotion of childlessness and aimed at preventing the dissemination of materials that encourage the rejection of parenthood through the media, films, advertising and online. Content found to violate these rules can be blocked and those who publish it may face fines up to 400,000 rubles ($5,000) for individuals and up to 5 million rubles ($62,000) for officials and legal entities. Russia's Ministry of Culture and media watchdog Roskomnadzor has now introduced its own definition of what content could be considered to be in violation of the legislation. The criteria are set to come into force in September. According to the Parliamentary Newspaper, the register of prohibited information will include content that 'encourages or justifies the refusal to have children,' demonstrates a 'negative image' of pregnancy and parenthood, or forms 'distorted ideas' about the advantages of refusing to have kids. The outlet has suggested that a number of popular movies and TV shows could potentially fall under these criteria if regulators dig deep enough to find representations of childfree ideology. For example, the newspaper suggested that the Harry Potter franchise could end up being banned due to the character of Professor McGonagall who was not shown to have children in the films. Another candidate is 'Game of Thrones', where the character of Brienne had chosen to become a knight instead of being a mother. The popular series 'Sex and the City' could also be on the chopping block because the character of Samatha demonstrates 'obvious childree tendencies,' according to the Parliamentary Newspaper. The same could supposedly be said for Claire from the 'House of Cards' TV Show, who put her career first and showed no regret over not having children. However, Roskomnadzor officials have told the outlet that the decision to block content would be carried out on an individual basis and said that the watchdog's experts have not yet conducted any such examinations. The regulator later released a statement saying it has no plans to ban either Harry Potter or Game of Thrones over childfree propaganda concerns. Russia's Ministry of Culture has also responded to the Parliamentary Newspaper article by pointing out that the aforementioned films and series have already lost their distribution certificates due to the departure of their copyright holders from the country. It also clarified that the ministry does not have the power to block content on the internet. The Harry Potter franchise has been massively popular in Russia, having sold millions of books and grossed over $50 million in theaters over the years. However, the films and novels have been absent from official digital and physical stores in the country since 2022 when most Western media companies pulled their licenses over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
