The adoption of technology in every aspect of life has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years. There has been a strong push for incorporating technology into daily life, whether in education, governance, medicine, or entertainment. This trend has received a significant boost with the introduction of artificial intelligence, where machine learning and large-scale data processing are driving major changes in everyday tasks, such as language translation, virtual assistance, spam filtering, intelligent search engines, and more. However, these advancements also raise important questions about the ethical use of these powerful tools. Numerous scams have been reported worldwide, resulting in monetary losses and the spread of fake reports that manipulate public reactions by creating false narratives.
In this scenario, it was of great relevance that the Shura Council debated regulating digital content creation during their regular weekly session and decided to submit a proposal to the Cabinet on the same. Stressing the dangers of uncontrolled digital and social media usage, especially among youths, the Council highlighted the mounting impact on shaping awareness and public opinion and the need for digital media content to keep society stable and respect its values and ethics.
The proposal includes a legal framework under which social media influencers will be licensed by relevant authorities to ensure content is consistent with values and national identity and prevent the spread of foreign cultures and uncontrolled advertisements.
The envisioned license makes sure the content never harms national unity and social cohesion, avoids hate speech, discrimination and violence and respects cultural heritage, values and national identity. Also among the licensing regulations are credibility, intellectual property rights, transparency and respect for social responsibility through avoiding misleading or unscientifically proven information.
Another pressing issue is the need to combat misinformation, which can spread rapidly in unregulated digital spaces. False narratives, conspiracy theories, and fake news have significant consequences, including undermining public health, eroding societal trust, and destabilizing systems. Regulations can set clear standards for content verification, penalizing platforms or individuals who deliberately spread false or misleading information.
Ethical advertising is another area where regulation is essential. Many influencers endorse products without disclosing paid sponsorships, which misleads their followers and violates ethical standards. Licensing influencers would require them to adhere to transparency guidelines, ensuring audiences are informed about paid promotions. This would not only protect consumers but also foster trust. Through a balanced approach of accountability and innovation, society can foster a healthier, safer, and more ethical digital environment.
