UAE bloggers who receive money for their activities on social networks will need to apply for licenses.
UAE National Media Council updated a number of rules. Among the innovations are business licenses for bloggers. It is reported that licenses will be similar to those received by magazines and newspapers.
Thus, bloggers will now have to register for a license from the government.
Mansur Council General Director Ibrahim Al-Mansouri said the new rules will help "promote and develop advanced legislative and regulatory conditions for the UAE media sector."
"Today, electronic media has become a very influential and widespread tool, so we are increasing its reliability. Digital media is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East, especially video, games and e-books. Regulation of this sector will attract new international investments, which, in turn, will increase its development and competitiveness, "he said.
Bloggers must register before the end of June or be fined 5,000 dirhams ($ US 1,360).
The new guidelines apply to news sites, online publishers, print media, and social media business.
Al-Mansouri said that sites of licensed traditional media (television, radio, newspapers and magazines) do not need to obtain new licenses, and sites of government, universities and schools are exempt from new requirements.
