UAE Imposes Strict AI Regulations

Strict Regulation Against AI Abuses – National Symbols and Public Figures Cannot Be Depicted Without Approval

The United Arab Emirates aims to become one of the world's most innovative digital economies, while paying special attention to protecting social stability, cultural heritage, and national identity. In this spirit, the UAE Media Council has reaffirmed that the use of artificial intelligence to depict national symbols or public figures is only permissible with official approval, or else it constitutes a serious violation.

This warning is particularly timely as there has been an increasing use of generative AI technologies for purposes such as digitally 'appearing' with historical figures, or distorting political and social opinions in the form of images and videos. The UAE does not ignore these practices – the regulation aims to clearly protect the purity of public life, social harmony, and the country's intellectual heritage.

What Does the New Regulation Ban?

According to the Media Council's position, the use of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI technologies (such as deepfake or AI image generation) is considered a violation if it:

- Spreads misleading or false information,

- Promotes hate speech or harassment,

- Ruins someone's reputation or violates their dignity,

- Undermines social values and moral foundations,

- Displays national symbols, flags, emirate representatives or public figures without permission.

Such content is considered a violation of media regulations, which could result in fines and administrative sanctions. The council notably emphasized that these rules apply not only to traditional media institutions but also to content creators, influencers, and regular social media users.

A Specific Case That Caused a Stir

In recent weeks, a social media post featuring a user alongside the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, in an image generated by artificial intelligence, was brought into focus. The content evoked strong reactions from the community – many considered the image tasteless, undignified, and disrespectful. Although the poster likely did not post the image with ill intent, the regulation is clear: such depictions are only possible with official approval.

This case exemplifies how quickly an AI-generated image that seems harmless can become problematic in a society where respect, national awareness, and community harmony are of paramount importance.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Media Regulation

It is an interesting contradiction that while the regulation strictly acts against AI abuses, the state itself actively uses artificial intelligence for regulating media content. In May 2024, the UAE Media Council partnered with a global big data company named Presight to create a new AI-based regulatory platform.

This system will be capable of scanning, filtering, categorizing, and validating media content before it reaches a wide audience. The platform aims to enable real-time, ethical, and data-driven decision-making by combining various state and media service provider databases.

The introduced system will be able to issue instant alerts about potentially problematic content, thereby not only preventing abuses but also promoting transparent and ethical functioning of the media industry.

Ethical AI Usage: An Official Charter Has Also Been Issued

In June 2024, the UAE's Charter on Ethical and Responsible AI Usage emphasized that the technology should be used with respect and social responsibility. The document contains clear guidelines for the development, testing, and deployment of AI, highlighting the preservation of human dignity, data security, and transparency.

This charter serves as a guide not only for state and market actors but also for developers, startups, and academic research institutions. The UAE's goal is not only to encourage the application of AI but to use it responsibly and within frameworks – particularly in sensitive areas such as media, education, or governmental communication.

The Challenge: Balancing Technology and Tradition

The UAE's example clearly shows how a modern, future-oriented society strives to balance technological advancement and traditional values. Artificial intelligence, despite all its advantages, also carries significant responsibilities. A single AI-generated content piece can mislead masses, hurt historical sensitivities, or even provoke political tensions.

Thus, the country's strategy is twofold: it actively applies AI in regulation, while decisively opposing its inappropriate use. This approach is supported not only by laws but also by social feedback.

Conclusion

The United Arab Emirates has sent a clear signal: there are limits to AI usage. Technology does not exempt one from ethical and legal responsibilities. Respect for national symbols, public figures, and social values is a shared duty of all users, content creators, and developers – whether it involves a social media post or a startup AI product.

These regulations are not against progress but actually ensure that development remains human-centered and value-driven, as dictated by the UAE's vision of the future. Dubai and the entire country are moving towards a digital future where innovation and respect go hand in hand.

(Source: Warning from the United Arab Emirates Media Council.)