|
|
UAE Freezones Biz News Updates
|
|
|
FNC calls for stricter control of social media to fight misinformation
House demands more Emirati presence in media to boost national identity
Abu Dhabi Members of the Federal National Council on Tuesday called for
stricter regulations of social media platforms to combat online
misinformation, fake news and hate speech.
They argued that the social media outlets — a highly unregulated industry
that invites millions of users everyday to its various platforms — must be
regulated and they must take responsibility for their content.
The members were debating the policy of the National Media Council, the
UAE’s media regulator.
Hamad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai and rapporteur of the House’s
committee on education, culture and media, said the FNC supports freedom of
the media but the social media content which might tarnish the image of the
UAE must be stopped.
“It is in the interest of the country to protect the integrity of the social
media so that it is a tool for development, not a tool for destruction.
Social media has reached a point where there is a need to set standards
suitable for public interest,” Al Rahoumi said.
Naama Al Sharhan, a member of the House from Ras Al Khaimah and chairperson
of the committee, agreed the content of social media networks must be
regulated to have quality content that upholds values and standards of the
UAE’s culture.
Al Sharhan warned against the damaging influence of social media influencers
or fashionistas. “Concerns are increasingly voiced across the country over
the damaging impact of these new social media players on the minds of the
people and especially the younger generation and their values and
traditions. In their role as influencers and marketers, fashionistas’ social
media accounts are often launch pads or promotion platforms for goods and
services.”
Saeed Al Rumaithi, a member from Abu Dhabi, said a greater control of the
social media content is needed, especially advertisement on Facebook,
Twitter and Snapchat.
“Some social media platforms are not licensed in the country, but they still
operate. Many other countries exercised their sovereign right and made it
mandatory for these networks to obtain a licence before they operate there,”
Al Rumaithi said.
Marwan Bin Galita, First Deputy Speaker of the House who chaired the
session, said technology has good things and bad things so the social media
platforms must only be utilised to achieve the UAE’s development goals.
Members of the House also pressed for more efforts to boost the presence of
Emiratis in the media to foster national identity.
Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the National Media
Council, said regulations have been issued for electronic media.
The rules unveiled last month govern all online activities including
e-commerce, publishing and selling of print, video and audio material as
well as advertising.
The new guidelines apply to news websites, electronic publishing outlets,
and on-demand printing, including commercial activities conducted through
social media within the UAE.
Al Jaber said the regulations seek to help the UAE media sector remain on
top of the rapid developments in electronic media, in addition to enriching
and organising digital content, and ensuring that media material respects
the religious, cultural and social values of the UAE, all the while
promoting freedom of expression and constructive dialogue.
Websites of licensed traditional media such as television, radio, newspapers
and magazines are exempt. Also exempt are websites of schools, colleges and
universities as well as government entities.
Companies registered in free zones are subject to the regulation.
Al Jaber said Emiratisation is a responsibility and a goal that must be
achieved. “The Emirati workforce in the Media Council has increased from 63
per cent last year to 67 per cent this year — one of the highest Emirati
workforce rate in federal authorities,” he said.
Free zones
Al Jaber said the UAE is a regional hub for many of the social media
platforms. This is an achievement — attracting this media potential and to
be based in the region.
“Any social media platform that operates within the country and has a
physical presence must be licensed according to the new system. The
council’s legislation allows for the prohibition of any unlicensed sites and
we are working in coordination with the authorities concerned,” the minister
said, praising the role of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Al Jaber said that the licensed media outlets in free zones are 38 radio
stations, 180 television stations, 54 newspapers and 975 magazines. “This
demonstrates the size of the work and also the council’s relationship with
the media in free zones governed by the law.”
April 24, 2018 |
| |
Courtesy Gulf News
|
|
