Bahrain looking to criminalise unlicenced social media advertising

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Shura Council gave its approval yesterday to a proposal aimed at regulating advertising and promotion activities on social media platforms.

The proposal, submitted by Shura Council members Talal Mohammed Al Mannaei, Dr. Jihad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Abdulrahman Mohammed Jamsheer, Juma Mohammed Al Kaabi, and Reda Ibrahim Monfaredi, has been met with support from the council, marking an important step towards establishing comprehensive guidelines for advertising practices in the digital realm.

Before voting on the proposal, the Shura Council deliberated on the report presented by the Services Committee.

The rapporteur of the committee, Talal Mohammed Al Manaei, expressed his satisfaction with the proposal, highlighting its objectives and potential impact.

One of the key aspects emphasised by Al Manaeai is the need for official oversight of advertising and promotion on social media platforms.

He explained that the proposed law outlines general principles while leaving the specific measures and methods for implementing these principles to be determined through executive decisions.

“This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability in response to emerging developments. The proposed law focuses on the general framework, which includes requirements for obtaining prior licences to engage in advertising activities, specifying the obligations of licence holders, outlining the necessary compliance measures, identifying prohibited advertising content, and delineating the supervisory authority of the ministry,” he explained.

Licence

Furthermore, Al Manaei clarified that the proposed law includes provisions that criminalise engaging in advertising and promotion activities on social media without obtaining a licence from the ministry.

It also addresses the dissemination of advertising materials that contravene the restrictions outlined in Article 7 of the proposed law.

These measures are crucial for maintaining societal stability, protecting essential interests, and safeguarding individuals’ rights.

Al Manaei pointed out that the proposed law contributes to supporting and empowering social media influencers by establishing a regulated legislative framework for advertising and promotion activities.