UAE Media Council to launch community reporting to tackle fake news

Dubai: The UAE Media Council has announced the upcoming launch of a comprehensive community reporting platform, enabling residents to report fake news, misleading advertisements, and non-compliant digital content.

The move comes as part of the UAE’s broader strategy to foster a safe and trustworthy media environment. By combining community vigilance with AI-driven oversight, the Media Council aims to curb the spread of disinformation while reinforcing public awareness and media literacy.

“A core component of the new system is the integration of AI technology to verify and monitor digital content in real time. We are proud to be the first media council in the world to use artificial intelligence to monitor media. This ensures content is aligned with the UAE’s media policy and helps detect fake news at the source,” Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, told Gulf News on the sideline of a press conference in Dubai.

He added that the initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting with awareness campaigns and the launch of an accessible reporting platform.

He said that the program is designed not to police free speech, but to protect the digital ecosystem from false narratives and malicious content.

Improved licensing system

Earlier, speaking at the press conference held on Thursday at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, announced the launching of a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector.

The initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council’s establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation.

Al Shehhi said that the Council’s role is to support and not to restrict the media. “Our aim is to regulate in partnership with the media community, not impose limitations. We have streamlined licensing procedures, reduced and waived some fees, and introduced a unified, flexible platform to make it easier for media outlets and creators to operate,” he said.

The AI tools will also monitor cross-border operations, targeting individuals or entities outside the UAE that publish and promote false content aimed at local audiences. “We are collaborating with international regulatory authorities to track and address content that violates our national policies,” he stated.

Empowering the community

The soon-to-be-launched public platform will allow residents to report misleading or harmful content directly. This community-led effort aims to reinforce content standards and promote accountability among digital creators and advertisers.

Al Shehhi explained that the platform will be accessible to everyone, enabling quick reporting and review of content that may breach the Council’s 20 content creation standards.

“There are no restrictions on content creation, but creators must adhere to responsible practices that reflect our values,” he made it clear.

Growth strategy

Maith Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is also implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption.

She also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework.

Regarding regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet’s resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system.

This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government’s vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment.

Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.