(MENAFN) Anyone conducting "commercial activities" through social media in UAE will now be required to register for a government-issued license.
The new rules announced Tuesday target so-called "social media influencers," who parlay their internet fame into advertising products.
Officials said the new rules would help guarantee "that media material respects the religious, cultural and social values of the UAE," a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Those affected need to register by the end of June or face 5,000-dirham (USD1,360) fines.
The UAE, while liberal in many regards compared to its Middle Eastern neighbors, has strict laws governing expression.
Freedom of speech is questionable in the oil-rich developed country, journalists working in the country require government-issued press cards and people also have been jailed for their comments online.
MENAFN0603201800450000ID1096550250
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.