Emirati culture and values must be upheld on social media platforms, according to the UAE’s Federal National Council (FNC).
In a debate over the policies of the country’s media regulator, National Media Council on April 24, the FNC raised concerns regarding the proliferation of misinformation and hate speech online, thus, calling for the firm regulation of social media.
The council argued that it is high time for netizens to take responsibility for content they post, especially those that can smear the nation’s image.
In a report by Gulf News, FNC member Hamad Al Rahoumi from Dubai stated, “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.”
Another member from Abu Dhabi, Saeed Al Rumaithi, particularly cited the need to regulate advertisements on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and the like.
Committee Chairperson Naama Al Sharhan agreed, saying “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.”
The council members reiterated that they support media freedom, but it should be utilized to advance UAE’s national identity and development goals.
