All media content in UAE to be rated

Abu Dhabi - This is applicable for all media firms, which distribute and deal in movies, video and electronic games, comics and printed books as well as other materials.

The National Media Council (NMC) has introduced a new age classification system that makes it mandatory for publications to classify the content of their publications and activities using specific symbols to ensure they are compatible with the values of the community and to protect children from inappropriate content.
This is applicable for all media firms, which distribute and deal in movies, video and electronic games, comics and printed books as well as other materials.
The age classification system for publications contains classes and rating categories used to determine the appropriateness of media content for different age groups and their conformity with the principles and standards of media content.
Officials at the National Media Council said at a media briefing on Tuesday that the initiative was first implemented in July 2017. It aims at preserving the values ??of the UAE society and its cultural heritage, and protecting children from the negative influences from various media platforms including movies, videos, electronic games and video games, as well as printed and online books, which are traded in the country.
Dr Rashid Al Nuaimi, executive director of Media Affairs at the NMC, said: "The council has worked on issuing the age classification system for media, covering all forms and types, as part of its social responsibility.
"This will ensure balanced and responsible media content that respects the privacy of individuals and protects various segments of society from the harmful effects of any creative and media works. Practitioners of licensed media activities in the country are required to classify the content of their publications and activities through specific symbols to ensure they are compatible with the values of the community. "
Dr Al Nuaimi added: "The system aims mainly at protecting children and young people from exposure to content that is not suitable for their age and helps them to choose the right content. The NMC had implemented the system at cinemas, libraries and shopping malls in relation to the sale of video games and electronic games. We are now working on raising awareness about the age classification system across the media."
Ibrahim Khadim, media content director at the NMC, said: "The system helps parents to know proper types of films, video games and books they are buying for their children because it classifies the content suitable for various age groups.
"This protects children from watching movies, reading books or playing games that have bad or inappropriate content."
Khadim said all media content should suit the UAE market and that the council is cooperating with various international companies so that they can produce games and other media content that suits the UAE's age classification.
The age classification system is required and binding on the relevant media organisations in accordance with the provisions of the resolution. It will provide protection against exposure to any content that have potential harmful effect, by enabling individuals to make the right choice by identifying the media content using the age classification symbols.
Khadim also highlighted on the symbols and signs used to determine the appropriateness of media content for different age groups to raise awareness in this regard.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com