26 Jul 10 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
BlackBerrys could be banned or monitored in the UAE after officials announced on 26 July, that they do not conform with national laws. The region’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said that “BlackBerry operates beyond the jurisdiction of national legislation” and warned that its misuse could cause “serious social, judicial and national security repercussions.” The Blackberry smart phone, developed by Research in Motion, was released prior to the enactment of safety emergency and national security legislation in 2007. Particular concern relates to the use of internal encrypted networks for email and instant message services, making it difficult for the authorities to track. In 2009, the government was subjected to widespread criticism after encouraging Blackberry customers to download an “upgrade”, which transpired to be surveillance software enabling officials to read and store user’s emails.
30 Apr 10 | Index Index, minipost
The United Arab Emirates authorities is to monito internet users in public places such as malls and cyber cafes according to a report from the newspaper Emarat al-Youm on Wednesday. People without newly-mandated national ID cards will not be allowed to use the internet in public places. The authorities justified the rule saying it was introduced to combat cyber-crime and child pornography.
01 Dec 09 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
The United Arab Emirates blocked distribution of the Sunday Times newspaper over the weekend due to its “insulting” coverage of the Dubai debt crisis. The National Media Council blocked the distribution of newspaper due to upset caused by an image which depicted ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum sinking under a sea of debt. An official from the council told AFP: “We cannot accept a personal insult.” Read more here
30 Oct 09 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
American journalist Courtney C Radsch was fired from her post at Al Arabiya news on 5 October for uncovering breaches of safety at Emirates Airlines. Radsch had written an article on pilot fatigue in the airline. Within 24 hours of the article’s release, Radsch was made redundant. As visas are granted to foreigners on condition of employment, Radsch was given 30 days to leave the country before her visa expired. She left the country on 29 October. Journalists are discouraged from reporting on Emirates Airlines, as its chief executive, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, is also the head of the aviation authority and a member of the country’s ruling family.
Read more here
