Know the new Influencer Law in U.A.E.

By Suneesh | August 25 , 2018 | 01

The National Media Council requires licensing of individuals who conduct commercial activities through their social media accounts, such as advertisements done on a paid basis. Accounts, blogs and personal pages are not subject to these new regulations, including the accounts of influencers on social media, provided they are not commercial in nature. Individuals and organisations that voluntarily promote work are not affected by the Electronic Media Regulations.

The UAE’s National Media Council (NMC) announced a new three-category system in conjunction with the influencer law, effective on June 1.

The first category includes the “Individual Licence” for independent influencers, which will cost Dh15,000. They would also have to acquire a separate trade license as well, which comes at an additional cost. Dh5,000: Is the minimum fine for influencers operate without licence

The second category, is the “Partnership Licence” for small groups of friends or family who can set up a company together, which would also cost Dh15,000.

The third category is for influencers to sign up with official “Influencer Agencies” that are certified by the NMC. These influencers will not have to pay any licensing fees or register as a company, however they must work exclusively with the clients of the agency and would not be allowed to acquire business independently. An influencer who is signed under an agency or a media company is not required to get the e-media licence, as the company’s licence will cover them. These agencies are also required to obtain the licence before they can sign any influencers.