The National Media Authority has taken legal action against two individuals for publishing offensive content during a live broadcast on social media, suspending one violator’s publicity permit for three months.
The NMA announced the penalties on 3 August, saying the content was disrespectful towards Emirati culture, violated standards of civilisational heritage and national identity, and offended “prevailing values in society”.
The authority said it will not tolerate the use of digital platforms to generate views or engagement at the expense of societal values, or content that stirs controversy or undermines national identity.
What the law says on live broadcast and digital content
The legal framework for media content in the UAE is Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation, which entered into force on 1 December 2023. It covers audio, video and digital content whether produced for payment or free of charge, including broadcasting, digital and electronic media, and imaging activities.
The NMA’s published media content standards set out specific prohibitions. These include spreading rumours or misleading news, raising sectarian or tribal strife, inciting violence or hatred, publishing false news or forged documents, and producing content that offends public morals or is harmful to young people.
A parallel piece of legislation, the Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes Law, criminalises the publication of false news and offences against individuals or the state through electronic means. Fines under that law can reach Dh500,000, with potential jail time and deportation for expatriates found in violation.
Permit holders face stricter obligations
One of the two individuals had been issued a publicity permit by the NMA, which the authority suspended for three months as part of the enforcement action.
The NMA issues permits to individuals who provide advertising or media content on social media and other digital platforms. According to the authority’s permit requirements, applicants must hold a Digital ID, passport, personal photo, and commercial licence. They must also have a clean record with no felony convictions unless legally rehabilitated, complete an NMA training programme, hold no previously cancelled permits, and have no outstanding financial obligations to the authority.
The NMA was established under a federal decree-law that consolidated several predecessor bodies. According to the UAE Legislation Portal, the authority took over all competences, rights, and obligations of the former UAE Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency, WAM. It is also responsible for registering and accrediting media professionals and foreign correspondents operating in the UAE, including those based in free zones.
Legal advisers have consistently noted that content which appears harmless can still attract enforcement if it meets the threshold for violating media standards or cybercrimes provisions. The two laws operate in parallel, and a single post or broadcast can engage both.
The NMA has not named the two individuals or provided details of the platform on which the broadcast took place. The three-month permit suspension for one of the violators runs as an administrative penalty alongside the legal proceedings.
