Dubai – Mubasher: The UAE announced that anyone implementing commercial activities through social media is required to register for a government-issued license.

The new regulations target social media influencers who use social media websites to advertise and promote their products, Business Arabian reported on Tuesday.

The fresh regulations will contribute to promoting and developing an advanced and regulatory environment for the media sector in the UAE, said National Media Council director-general Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri.

Electronic media has become a key influential and widespread instrument, hence there is a dire need to boost its reliability, state news agency WAM said, citing Al Mansouri.

“Digital media is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Middle East, especially videos, games and e-books,” the top official explained.

Al Mansouri noted that regulating the UAE’s media sector would help lure further overseas investments that in return improves its development and competitiveness.

Social media influencers need to register by the end of June 2018, or they would face a fine of AED 5,000 ($1,360), according to AP.

The new rules apply to electronic publishing outlets, news websites, and on-demand printing including commercial activities conducted through social media within the UAE.