Business | Telecoms
Warning against illegally importing TV decoders
The UAE Ministry of Economy has issued a fresh warning to those involved in illegally importing satellite TV decoders into the country and to those selling decoders programmed to decrypt Pay TV channels without authorisation from the providers.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:11 June 4, 2008
Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Economy has issued a fresh warning to those involved in illegally importing satellite TV decoders into the country and to those selling decoders programmed to decrypt Pay TV channels without authorisation from the providers.
The ministry recently issued letters instructing authorities in all ports of entry in the seven emirates to confiscate decoders that are imported illegally into the UAE, reaffirming the fact that such an act is a clear violation of the UAE's copyright Law 7 of 2002, Article 38, which stipulates that decrypting of pay TV channels are not allowed within or outside UAE.
Neighbouring GCC countries will soon adopt similar measures that will curb the entry of illegal decoders into their country.
"We will not show any leniency to violators of intellectual property rights. It is high time that traders and users of pirated and illegally imported decoders are held responsible for the consequences of their actions," a ministry official said.
Best efforts
"We are putting in our best efforts to fight piracy comprehensively on all fronts by placing necessary barriers. We also call upon the general public to report to the ministry any cases of piracy that they are aware of," the official said.
"With regard to the illegal import of satellite TV decoders, we would like to warn all parties involved in the illegal trade and distribution of decoder boxes to view pay TV channels without proper authorisation from providers that they will face stringent enforcement of the copyright law.
Moreover, the public needs to be aware that use of decoder boxes to view channels with content that is against the religious, cultural and moral values of the country, will also corrupt the minds of children. Our main goal is to create a conducive environment for foreign investors and safeguard the integrity of local businesses through strict enforcement and effective IPR regime, thus making UAE a model for IPR protection in the Middle East," he added.
In coordination with the governmental authorities in charge, Dubai Police has already orchestrated several raids on dealers facilitating sale of decoder boxes programmed to view pay TV channels and channels containing immoral content. The accused involved were charged with copyright violation involving heavy fines, imprisonment and deportation.
Scott Butler, chief executive officer of Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance, said: "The stringent enforcement of copyright law by the authorities and their effective partnership with the Ministry of Interior, and customs and enforcement authorities, has greatly contributed towards successful raids and appropriate legal action against offenders."
It is high time that traders and users of pirated and illegally imported decoders are held responsible for the consequences of their actions."
Ministry of Economy official
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