Why is Social Media Banned in UAE
Social media refers to online platforms and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking. These platforms have become a powerful tool for communication, information sharing, and business promotion. However, its use comes with certain risks and challenges, which have led to its ban in UAE. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for this ban:
- National security concerns: One of the primary reasons for banning social media in UAE is to protect national security. Social media has been used as a tool for spreading false information, propaganda, and inciting violence and unrest in many countries. The UAE government believes that blocking access to certain social media platforms helps prevent such threats to national security.
- Cultural and religious values: The UAE is an Islamic country with strong cultural and religious values. The government believes that some content on social media platforms goes against these values and may lead to cultural erosion or offensive material being circulated. Thus, they have taken measures to ban or restrict access to such content.
- Protecting traditional media: The traditional media in UAE, which includes newspapers and television channels, are heavily regulated by the government. With the rise of social media, traditional media outlets have faced stiff competition in terms of audience reach and advertising revenue. To protect their interests, the government has banned or restricted access to social media platforms, limiting the competition for traditional media.
- Cybercrimes: Social media platforms are also used as a breeding ground for cybercrimes such as online fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. The UAE government has taken strict measures to combat these crimes and protect its citizens from falling victim to them. The ban on certain social media platforms is seen as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of such crimes.
- Controlling political discourse: The UAE government has a low tolerance for political dissent and criticism. Social media has been used in the past by activists and opposition groups to organize protests and voice their opinions against the government. To control and monitor such activities, the government has banned or restricted access to social media platforms.
- Preventing social disruptions: The spread of fake news and misinformation on social media has led to social disruptions in many countries. The UAE government aims to avoid such situations by controlling the flow of information through social media platforms. By banning or restricting access, they believe they can prevent any potential unrest or protests.
- Compliance with regulations: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE regulates all forms of communication, including social media platforms. These regulations require all social media companies to obtain a license from the TRA before operating in the country. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to a ban.
List of Websites blocked in UAE
List of Websites blocked in UAE: The UAE is known for its strict censorship laws and regulations regarding online content. This has resulted in a long list of websites being blocked in the country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) censors the internet in many areas.
The Internet Access Management (IAM) Regulatory Policy, overseen by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in the UAE, mandates that Etisalat and Du, upon TDRA’s request, block online content that violates cyber laws in force. TDRA outlines prohibited content as material that contradicts or is deemed offensive to public interest, morality, order, security, or Islam.
In this article, we have provided the list of websites that are blocked in UAE for various reasons that are also discussed in the article.
Table of Content
- List of Websites Blocked in UAE
- Internet Censorship in UAE
- Types of Websites Blocked in UAE
- Main Websites Blocked in UAE
- Methods of Website Blocking in UAE
- Why is Social Media Banned in UAE
- Impact of Restricted Internet Access in UAE
Contact Us