A new federal law will soon be introduced in the UAE this year to regulate the media, online content and publications, a minister told the Federal National Council (FNC) members.
Minister of Culture and Youth Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said that her ministry is currently making amendments to Federal Law No.15 of 1980 regarding media and publications.
“In preparing the new draft law, we will consider that it keeps pace with technological progress and modern media alongside traditional media. This is through direct communication with the authorities concerned and people with expertise in the media field so that the law comes out in the best way possible and in proportion to the current time,” said Al Kaabi.

Al Kaabi said there are three aspects to look into for the stratergic monitoring department at the Media Regulatory Office.
Those are print, visual and electronic media content, which are issued within the country and need to be followed up and monitored.
The task is also to monitor and follow up on what content is being circulated by the media in the country, make a periodical report and then submit it to the authorities.
“The strategic monitoring department periodically submits reports on what is published by various communication channels, including online content, evaluates its negative and positive effects.”
She added, “Those [contents] found in violation of the rules are submitted to the relevant authorities to take appropriate action.”
The minister also pointed out that there is a close cooperation between Media Regulatory Office and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), when dealing with content circulated online and broadcast during times of crisis and emergency.