New Digital Media Regulations

Purpose

The Digital Regulations establish a licensing and compliance framework for digital media activities in the UAE. Moreover, they can effectively be seen as a type of "code of practice" for online activity – indeed, in many ways they uphold legal and regulatory standards already contemplated from a media and content standpoint under other UAE laws and regulations, such as the UAE Penal Code, the Cybercrimes Law, the Press Law and media free zone regimes. For example, the Digital Regulations are aimed at supporting and promoting the digital media industry, reinforcing respect for religious, cultural and social values prevailing in the UAE and protecting community members by requiring balanced, responsible and impartial media content.