Hundreds of websites were blocked in the UAE last year for promoting offensive, racist, immoral, defamatory and obscene content, the country’s telecoms regulator said.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said it suspended access to 1,688 sites in 2019.
Just under a third (542 websites) included obscene content, while more than a quarter, (436 websites) were used for fraudulent purposes. A further 253 sites attempted to bypass web filters.
“Others were banned for breaching intellectual property rights, providing illegal online proxy services and other illegal activities,” the TRA said in a statement released on the Wam news agency.
After discovering a website that hosts illegal content, the TRA asks service providers like Etisalat and du to block it.
The latest number of blocked sites was slightly down on 2018, when the TRA banned 2,659 websites for similar reasons.
Websites that are banned in the UAE include Roblox, aimed at children aged between 8 and 15.
It was restricted in 2018 on the orders of the UAE Attorney General, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi.
Many parents welcomed the move, saying their children had been exposed to content that was not age appropriate while playing the game.
Last month, residents were warned that using free VPNs could leave people open to being blackmailed.
The use of VPNs in the Emirates is not in itself against the law, but using them to access certain content and websites can be.
Experts suggested free VPN services may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking, potentially increasing users’ risk.
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
