Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE has blocked 1,117 illegal websites over copyright violations this year, according to the Ministry of Economy on Thursday (May 30). According to the ministry, the websites illegally broadcasted entertainment content owned by various media networks, violating the UAE’s strict rules on intellectual property rights. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy, said most of the websites were blocked during Ramadan. Al Muaini noted that the number of illegal websites blocked this year marked a significant increase compared to last year’s 62. The official said this was due to the ministry’s InstaBlock initiative, a specialised approach in resolving complaints related to copyright infringements on live online broadcasts. ICA/Expat Media
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