Two individuals face immediate legal action following an offensive social media live broadcast that federal regulators say directly violated national culture, heritage, and societal values.
The announcement on Monday, August 3, marks another enforcement wave under the United Arab Emirates’ stringent media rules.
The National Media Authority Crackdown on Live Broadcasts
The National Media Authority stepped in after monitoring digital platforms being exploited simply to chase views and jack up engagement.
According to regulators, the offending live broadcast showed a blatant disregard for the Emirates’ culture, civilizational heritage, and national identity while offending prevailing values in society.
Permit Suspensions and Regulatory Penalties
Authorities did not stop at launching legal proceedings.
The authority hit one of the violators with a three-month suspension of their publicity permit, drawing a hard line against online content that manufactures controversy or disrupts the social fabric.
Legal experts across the UAE have repeatedly warned residents that an offhand comment or online post can quickly trigger a formal police investigation.
Penalties for cybercrimes and online defamation in the country are notably strict. They feature potential jail time, deportation for expatriates, and steep fines reaching up to Dh500,000.
The Strict Framework for Content Creators
Content creators and residents operating digital platforms in the Emirates must adhere to a sprawling framework of guidelines.
Creators are expected to maintain respect for beliefs and religions, honour cultural heritage, protect national unity, respect the ruling system, safeguard foreign relations, combat rumours and fake news, follow strict privacy rules, respect legal and security systems, follow state directives, and uphold the broader legal framework.
Legislative Pillars Governing Media and Cyber Activity
Two primary legislative pillars govern media and online activity in the state: the Media Regulation Law and the Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes Law.
The Media Regulation Law oversees all forms of media work, outlining institutional and individual duties while promoting responsible media freedom as long as it does not conflict with state laws or societal values.
Meanwhile, the Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes Law targets electronic offenses, criminalising the publication of false news and attacks against individuals or the state to protect security, stability, and personal privacy.
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