Social media influencers and all unlicensed online media agencies or enterprises have been told to register this month to avoid being fined.
Influencers and online media sites are required to obtain an e-media licence, with a starting price of Dh15,000 and a trade licence, which varies in cost depending on free zone or mainland category, according to the National Media Council (NMC).
During a roundtable discussion with the media on Tuesday, the NMC said that online news websites, influencers and other electronic publishers should utilise the remaining weeks of May to register and get e-media licences to operate smoothly and avoid problems.
The NMC had in March issued new rules that require all news websites, electronic publishing outlets, and on-demand printing, including commercial activities conducted through social media within the UAE to first get a media licence from the NMC, allowing them to operate in the country.
Social media influencers making advertisements and promoting brands for cash are also required to have and trade licence before registering with the NMC for an e-media licence.
Influencers and other e-media businesses had been given three months, which will expire in the first week of June, to apply on the NMC's website and get an e-media licence.
Those who fail to comply with the new rules will have their social media accounts and related websites or blogs shut down, as well as being slapped with fines of up to Dh5,000.
"We urge all electronic media agencies and influencers to register before the expiration of the grace period to avoid fines or being inconvenienced," Dr Rashid Al Nuaimi, executive director of Media Affairs at the NMC, said on Tuesday.
"It is good that a reasonable number of online firms and social media influencers have already applied for the e-licences.
"The new guidelines seek to enhance the contribution of electronic media to the wider publishing industry, providing legal protection for the outlets and enhancing their competitiveness, all in an effort to increase advertising spend and grow the sector as a whole."
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