April 17 - Foreign nationals, who make up 80% of the local population in the
seven-member federation known as the United Arab Emirates, have reacted
in surprise to reports that the UAE's second largest internet services provider,
du, has begun taking steps to limit its customers' access to 'undesirable'
sites.
Effective immediately, internet users will not be able to access their
favorite online gambling, pornographic or social networking sites, in
keeping in line with the traditional values of the region.
In a statement to its customers, du said: "The World Wide Web offers us great
opportunities to get and share information and to communicate. However, it is
imperative when making use of this technology for its enormous benefits, we
respect the moral, social and cultural values of the United Arab Emirates. The
statement went on to say that "du will be blocking all content that is not in
line with these values, effective from 14 April."
As a Muslim region, the United Arab Emirates, which also includes the
bustling tourist country of Dubai, forbids all forms of wagering, online
gambling or otherwise, as well as sexual relationships outside the boundaries of
marriage. Even the consumption of alcohol is limited to licensed establishments,
and then only to non-Muslim foreigners.
Foreign nationals are understandably concerned about du's announcement,
considering that its chief rival in the region, Emirates Telecommunications Co.
(Etisalat) has long since blocked online gambling and other questionable sites.
In commenting on the new restrictions, an American analyst living in Dubai said:
"It doesn't really affect my work as I am not reviewing porn at work. But there
is something inherently not free about blocking internet content in
self-professed free zones".
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