Federal decree issued on regulating media which covers individuals, organisations, media outlets, and free zones

A federal decree on media regulation has been released by the UAE government, including media outlets, persons, organisations, and free zones inside the nation. It permits people and legal organisations to own media outlets and institutions subject to certain rules and restrictions. Printing, publishing, distributing, and producing media content are all considered media activities under the law. Digital, audio, and video broadcasts are also included, either for free or at a cost.

A licence or authorization to carry out certain media activities is issued and supervised by the legislation. Additionally, the law organises the local government bodies in charge of media regulation as well as the UAE Media Council. 

The decree mandates that all media persons and organisations doing business in the United Arab Emirates adhere to the national criteria for media content, which include:

• Regard for the divine, Islam, other religions, and other beliefs
• The nation's symbols, institutions, and sovereignty are to be respected. Individuals should also uphold the UAE's and its society's supreme interests.
• Adhere to the national and international directives and policies of the nation
• Ensure to avoid any adverse impact on the UAE’s foreign relations
• National identity and values of the society, culture and civilization, to be respected.

The media outlets and individuals must ensure not to do the following:

• Propagate or circulate information that undermines social cohesiveness or national unity.
• Incite hatred, violence, or a spirit of conflict among society's members
• Use the legal and economic systems in the UAE carelessly.
• Disregard people's private life and privacy laws
• Spread rumours, inaccurate or misleading information, or anything else that could encourage someone to commit a crime.

Permits regarding screening of cinematographic and other creative production:

Permissions to screen film and other creative productions must be issued by the UAE Media Council, in accordance with the order. It will be in charge of identifying the age groups appropriate for viewing media and entertainment material, in addition to specifying the classifications of the Media Material Rating System for print and creative products, such as books, video games, and movie production.

Additionally, the Council grants permissions to people who offer media material or advertising on social media and other contemporary technological platforms, either for free or at a cost. 

According to the regulation, media outlets and people with licences or authorization must be under the watchful eye of the appropriate authorities. It permits the Council to monitor and examine individuals, media organisations, and outlets, including free zones. In line with the legislation, the UAE Media Council will work with the relevant authorities to encourage the protection of intellectual property among UAE citizens, businesses, and media organisations. As per the decree, persons and media outlets falling under this law have a year to modify their circumstances in compliance with its rules, which can be extended by a decision made by the Cabinet.