Call for stricter control of social media
MEMBERS DEMAND MORE EMIRATI PRESENCE IN MEDIA SECTOR
Federal National Council members want regulations to combat online misinformation, fake news, hate speech
Members of the Federal National Council yesterday 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 have exercised their sovereign right and made it mandatory for these networks to obtain a licence before they operate there,” Al Rumaithi said.
Members 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.