UAE toughens copyright laws and Dubai Police initiative wins hearts, our editors comment on the top stories of September 20

IN UAE, NO ROOM TO HIDE FOR COPYRIGHT OR TRADEMARK VIOLATORS: UAE’s toughened up laws and penalties are being put to good effect. The expanded scope of what those violations are – irrespective of whether these happen in the online space – means there’s limited scope for offenders. Data and content out on the world wide web that’s protected by copyright or IP must be protected, and the UAE courts are using the updated laws to give notice that it will be. Today’s copyright violations are no longer just about spoofing brands, their symbols or other equity that they possess. These days, data matters and who owns that data matters as much. These cannot be tweaked for the purpose of others, however much someone might say that the data was found on the internet. UAE courts are letting everyone know that. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

THANK YOU DUBAI POLICE: That Dubai Police’s community-based initiatives benefitted as many as one million people last year deserves special mention. Going beyond their call of duty, which by itself is noble and ensures the safety of people, requires a different level of commitment and effort. Coming up with various activities to engage with the community to improve their quality of life calls for innovative ideas and the will to implement them. A big salute to the force for all that they do for Dubai residents. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

ICC BANS USE OF SALIVA TO SHINE CRICKET BALL: In May 2020 the International Cricket Council had introduced a temporary ban of the use of saliva to shine the ball in order to make it swing but following a meeting of its chief executives’ committee it has been made permanent. The ban was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic on medical advice. Bowlers have always used sweat and saliva to polish one side of the ball in order to make it swing in the air to make playing shots by batsmen harder. Several other changes have been made by the ICC including that an incoming batter will now be required to be ready to take strike within two minutes in Tests and ODIs while the current threshold of ninety seconds in T20Is remains unchanged. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

WHAT CAN CELEBRITIES DO FOR CLIMATE CHANGE? Director Adam McKay, who was praised for his Netflix movie ‘Don’t Look Up’, is set to donate $4 million to the Climate Emergency Fund. McKay has be campaigning for climate activism for a number of years after he realised how dire the situation was. In a stark contrast, just a few months ago, celebrities such as Kylie Jenner were criticised for taking very short flights, and thus needlessly contributing to carbon emissions. Whether or not they want to be role models, stars have the ability to influence and inform people. If more stars took it upon themselves to promote change, as opposed to consumerism and ignorance, it could make a world of a difference. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)