Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE government has issued a federal decree-law regulating the media sector in the country in a way that enhances its position as a global media hub, consolidates an environment that stimulates the growth and prosperity of the media sector. It further aims to contribute to the development of a competitive legislative and media environment that keeps pace with global changes in the media industry. The provisions of the Decree Law shall apply to all individuals, media establishments, media outlets and free media zones practicing media activities within the country.

It also allows natural and legal persons to own media establishments and media outlets in accordance with specific controls and conditions. As per the Decree-Law, any activity related to the production, transfer, distribution, printing, publishing, broadcasting and transmission of media content, whether read, audio, visual or digital, and making it available to the public through the media, whether free or for charge are defined as media activities.

These activities include television and radio broadcasting, cinematic films, artistic works, newspapers, publications, electronic and digital media activities, book fairs, foreign publications, foreign media offices, printing, circulation and dissemination of media content, and ground, air and sea and photography activities. The Decree-Law also regulates the powers of the Emirates Media Council and government entities concerned with media regulation in all matters related to the issuance, supervision and control of licenses and permits to practice media activities for individuals and establishments engaging in media activities.

It further obliges everyone who practices an activity or profession in media sector to abide by the standards of media content in the country, the most important of which are respect for God, Islamic beliefs, monotheistic religions and other beliefs and not to offend any of them, respect for the ruling system in the country, its symbols and institutions, its supreme interests, its society, the orientations and policy of the country at the internal and international levels.

They must not also subject to anything that would offend the country's foreign relations, and respect for the cultural and civilizational heritage, national identity and values prevailing in society. In addition, the law prohibits publishing or circulating anything that harms national unity and social cohesion, incites violence, hatred, and a spirit of discord in society, or offends the legal and economic system, the judiciary and security in the country.

They must respect the rules of privacy and everything related to the private life of individuals, and abide by not publishing, broadcasting or circulating rumors and false and misleading news, and what would incite to commit crimes. According to the Decree-Law, the Emirates Media Council issues permits related to showing cinematic films and other artistic works. It also determines age rating system for the media content of publications and artistic works, such as books, video games and cinematic films.

The Council also issues permits to a natural person who provides advertising or media content, whether for or without charge in social media and other modern technical means. The licensed or authorized natural persons, establishments and media establishments shall be subject to control and supervision by the competent authority, in accordance with the Decree-Law.

It shall allow the Council to carry out monitoring and censoring the media contents of persons, media establishments and institutions, including free zones, to ensure their compliance with the provisions of the Decree Law and its executive regulations.

Based on the UAE's keenness to provide all legal means to protect intellectual property, the Decree Law stated that the Council, in coordination with the competent authorities, would work to protect intellectual property related to the media industry sector within the country and protect the rights of its owners. It stressed the need for persons, facilities and media institutions to abide by the intellectual property and trademark legislation in force in the UAE.

Persons, media establishments and institutions engaging in media will be granted a period to regularize their status in accordance with the provisions of the Decree-Law and its executive regulations, and the decisions issued in implementation thereof, within one year from the date of its entry into force, which may be extended by a decision of the Cabinet.