In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the social media influencer law is regulated by the National Media Council (NMC). The NMC has implemented guidelines for social media influencers to ensure that their content is in line with the UAE’s values and cultural standards.
Table of Contents
According to the NMC guidelines, social media influencers must:
Disclose Any Sponsored Content
Social media influencers must clearly disclose if their content is sponsored or paid for by a brand or company. This must be done through the use of hashtags, such as #ad or #sponsored, to ensure transparency for their followers.
Abide By The Country’s Laws And Regulations
Social media influencers must ensure that their content does not violate any laws or regulations in the UAE, including those related to defamation, defamation of religion, and incitement to violence.
Respect The Privacy Of Others
Social media influencers must not share any personal information or images of individuals without their consent.
Avoid Promoting Harmful Products Or Services
Social media influencers must not promote products or services that are harmful to individuals, such as tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Ensure The Accuracy Of Their Content
Social media influencers must ensure that their content is accurate and not misleading to their followers.
Data Protection
Social media influencers must protect personal data of their followers and adhere to data protection laws.
Intellectual Property
Social media influencers must respect intellectual property laws and ensure that they do not use copyrighted material without permission.
Anti-Discrimination
Social media influencers must not discriminate against or harass individuals based on their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
National Security
Social media influencers must not engage in activities that could be considered a threat to national security.
Cybercrime
Social media influencers must not engage in cybercrime activities, such as spreading false information or defaming individuals or organizations.
Violation of these guidelines can result in fines and/or legal action being taken against the social media influencer. It is important for social media influencers in the UAE to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and adhere to them in order to avoid any legal issues.
Influencer License Dubai Cost
The cost of an influencer license in Dubai is approximately AED 11,900. In Sharjah, it costs approximately AED 5,750. An Influencer license is valid for 12 months, after which the creator and influencer must renew it.
Other UAE laws for using Social Media
There are several other laws for using social media that apply to creators and influencers and their use of social media platforms. These include:
Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 – Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes: Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes and other applicable laws for the protection of privacy and reputation, defamation apply while using social media. Citizens and residents in the UAE need to be aware of the provisions of the law that spell out actions that could be a criminal offenses.
Cabinet Resolution No. 73/3/ & 1 of 2014 – Regulation of Using Social Media by the Employees of Federal Entities: The regulation aims at directing and guiding the employees of government entities on using social media safely and responsibly when they discuss various current issues. In addition, it explains how employees could express their personal opinion in a civil manner that is not detrimental to their reputation or that of the entity they work for, or that of the UAE. It provides guidelines to respect professional ethics and behaviors set out in the UAE’s laws and ensure not to violate them.
Federal Decree-Law No. 2 of 2015 – Combating Discrimination and Hatred: Combating Discrimination and Hatred criminalizes any act that triggers religious hatred and/or insults religion through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets, or online media. The law prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, his prophets or apostles or holy books, houses of worship, or graveyards.
Advertising Content Policies – Official Guide for Advertisers: In October 2018, National Media Council (NMC) issued an official advertising guide, which aims to clarify standards for the advertisement industry in the UAE and to protect the public from marketing promotions that do not conform to applicable standards. The document specifies the terms of licensing for advertising activities for individuals, companies, and institutions.
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