The Ministry of Economy in the UAE has taken action against more than 1,000 websites this year that were illegally broadcasting entertainment content owned by various media networks. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy, stated that most of the illegal websites were blocked during Ramadan, a time when there is increased demand for multimedia content. The implementation of the ‘InstaBlock’ initiative during Ramadan led to the blocking of a total of 1,117 websites that violated intellectual property rights.
The number of illegal websites blocked in the UAE this year has significantly increased compared to the previous year, which only saw 62 sites being blocked in 2023. This increase in blocked websites demonstrates the success of the comprehensive approach developed by the Ministry of Economy to combat copyright infringements on live online broadcasting. Al Muaini mentioned that the ‘InstaBlock’ initiative will continue as a year-round program to address and prevent intellectual property rights violations in the country.
The Ministry of Economy’s actions against illegal websites aim to protect the intellectual property rights of media networks and prevent the unauthorized broadcast of entertainment content. By blocking these websites, the UAE is sending a strong message against copyright infringements and ensuring that creators and owners of original content are respected and their rights are upheld. The ‘InstaBlock’ initiative plays a crucial role in quickly responding to complaints related to copyright infringements and taking immediate action to block offending websites.
The increase in the number of blocked websites this year highlights the Ministry of Economy’s dedication to combating intellectual property rights violations and protecting the interests of content creators. By taking proactive measures to block illegal websites, the UAE is creating a safer online environment for both content creators and consumers. The ‘InstaBlock’ initiative’s success during Ramadan has paved the way for its continuation as a year-round program, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights in the country.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Economy’s efforts to block illegal websites violating intellectual property rights in the UAE demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting creative content and promoting a culture of respect for copyright laws. The success of the ‘InstaBlock’ initiative in blocking over 1,000 websites this year reflects the effectiveness of proactive measures in combating online piracy and copyright infringements. By continuing to enforce measures against illegal broadcasting of entertainment content, the UAE is reinforcing its stance on upholding intellectual property rights and fostering a fair and lawful digital environment for all stakeholders.