UAE blocks more than 1,000 illegal websites for violating cyber laws

UAE blocks illegal websites 2024

The UAE has taken significant steps to protect intellectual property rights by blocking over 1,000 illegal websites this year, the Ministry of Economy (MoE) announced on Thursday. These websites were primarily targeted for broadcasting entertainment content without authorization, infringing on the rights of various media networks.

Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy, highlighted the substantial increase in the number of blocked websites compared to the previous year. In 2023, only 62 sites were blocked, indicating a sharp rise in enforcement actions this year.

The majority of these websites were blocked during Ramadan, a period marked by increased demand for multimedia content. "Since the implementation of the ‘InstaBlock’ initiative in the holy month of Ramadan, we have blocked a total of 1,117 websites that infringed upon intellectual property rights by illegally broadcasting entertainment content owned by various media networks," Dr. Al Muaini explained.

The ‘InstaBlock’ initiative has been pivotal in these efforts, providing a specialized, instant response service for handling complaints related to copyright infringements on live online broadcasts. This initiative demonstrates the UAE's commitment to developing a robust system to combat intellectual property violations swiftly and effectively.

Dr. Al Muaini noted the success of their comprehensive approach in addressing these issues, stating, "This proves we have successfully developed a comprehensive approach that offers a specialized instant response service for receiving complaints related to copyright infringements on live online broadcasting." This proactive measure is part of the UAE's broader strategy to safeguard intellectual property rights and ensure compliance with cyber laws.

The MoE's actions align with the UAE's ongoing efforts to create a secure and fair digital environment. By targeting illegal streaming sites, the ministry aims to protect the interests of content creators and media networks, ensuring that their rights are respected and upheld. This initiative also helps in maintaining the integrity of the entertainment industry, which is increasingly threatened by unauthorized broadcasting.

The crackdown during Ramadan, in particular, underscores the ministry's vigilance in periods of high demand for digital content. By addressing these violations promptly, the MoE is working to deter future infringements and encourage legal consumption of media content.

Dr. Al Muaini's comments also reflect a broader awareness of the evolving challenges in digital content protection. The significant increase in blocked websites from 62 last year to over 1,000 this year highlights the dynamic nature of intellectual property enforcement and the need for continuous adaptation to new threats.

In conclusion, the UAE's Ministry of Economy has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting intellectual property rights through the proactive blocking of illegal websites. The increase in enforcement actions, particularly during high-demand periods like Ramadan, showcases the effectiveness of initiatives like ‘InstaBlock’. This comprehensive approach not only protects content creators and media networks but also promotes a fair and legal digital ecosystem in the UAE.