Watch advertisement content, UAE government told

Abu Dhabi: A member of the Federal National Council demanded that advertisements and classifieds be watched closely to stop fraud and other crimes committed through online advertisements.

Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, a member from Ajman, said the Dh5 billion sector should be regulated to prevent these offences.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, said any business licensed in the UAE is subject to the rules and regulation of the country and any crimes are fought by these rules.

The National Media Council has issued the regulation of advertising content in UAE media, reinforcing a number of fundamental ethics, mainly, respect for religious, cultural, and social values and norms in society, as well as empowering free speech and constructive interaction with the media.

This regulation also aims to develop the advertising sector as a crucial economic development tool in the UAE, and is keen on providing balanced media content that is responsible and fair and respects individual privacy, and protects the different communities from harmful influences.

The regulation contains standards regulating advertisements and procedures to follow their implementation in accordance with international laws and regulations pertaining to this sector, in alignment with general local politics and federal government strategies. The regulation comes as an implementation of the council’s operational plan, answering organisational requirements in this regard.

The regulation also contains a confirmation of media and advertising content standards stipulated in existing laws and regulations and Press charter issued by the Emirates’ Journalist Association, and in alignment with internationally recognised regulations.

Shaikh Abdullah said the National Media Council was open to any constructive proposals to develop the sector.